Lebron James shared his thoughts on Colin Kaepernick's five-week long protest of oppression during the National Anthem, on Monday [September 26], and addressed the question as to whether he'd join if the movement were to spread into the NBA 2016-17 season. James responded to questions on the matter during the Cavs media day, affirming his support for what the 49'ers quarterback is doing, but confirming that he will not break from the nation's tradition of standing during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.

"I think you guys know that when I'm passionate about something, I speak upon it. Me standing for the national anthem is something I will do. That's who I am. That's what I believe in. But that doesn't mean I don't respect and don't agree with what Colin Kaepernick is doing," said James. The 4-time MVP has long been noted for leading the charge against injustice, among the league's stars, as was the case when he headed the Miami Heat in wearing hoodies to honor Trayvon Martin in 2012, or when he took the court to shoot around with a tee that read "I Can't Breathe," after Eric Garner's death in 2014. While he admitted that compromising his observance of the National Anthem is a non-starter for him, James was clear that he only sees good in what Kaepernick is doing, if anything pointing a finger at those who've demonized him for distorting his intentions.

"What I do not like about the situation is the negative attention that's been thrown at him from certain people because it's not deserved. He was very educated, very smart, very candid, and very demanding about what he wanted to do. And he didn't ask anybody else to join him. He did it in the most peaceful manner I've ever seen someone stand up and do something. So I can respect that," he said.

It remains to be seen whether James might partake in an alternative method of protest, or avoid taking a stance against police violence altogether. His call, alongside Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul at the ESPY Awards; for athletes to return to using their platform to address social issues, certainly lit the spark that would motivate Kaepernick and those who've joined, to speak out. As it stands, there are close to 40 NFL players either taking a knee or raising a fist during the anthem, with the Seattle Seahawks continuing to link arms. The protests have spread to encompass teams of all ages, across the nation, and spread into other sports. Various NBA stars, including Victor Oladipo and Russell Westbrook, have come forward to state that they believe players will take the protests on once basketball season kicks off.

Source: youtube.com