LeBron James gives Smithsonian $2.5 million to honor Muhammad Ali
King James is paying tribute to “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali.
NBA star LeBron James, along with his business partner Maverick Carter and the LeBron James Family Foundation, teamed up to donate $2.5 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The money will go toward an exhibit on Ali — who died in June — and will honor his legacy.
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"Muhammad Ali is such a cornerstone of me as an athlete because of what he represented not only in the ring as a champion but more outside the ring — what he stood for, what he spoke for, his demeanor," James told USA Today Sports on Thursday.
The Cleveland Cavaliers forward joins NBA legend Michael Jordan, who donated $5 million, and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, who contributed at least $1 million.
This is hardly the first charitable act from James.
He's notoriously philanthropic, supporting many national charities in addition to his own foundation. Last year, James collaborated with the University of Akron to award full college scholarships for students in his foundation.
Even his widely criticized TV special The Decision — during which James announced his intention to sign with the Miami Heat in 2010 — ended up raising more than $3 million for charity.
LeBron James is the star that just keeps giving. Oh yeah, and his Cavaliers are tied for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Life is good for King James.
