Update Aug. 4, 2018 11:52 p.m. EDT: Referenced in President Donald Trump's tweet denigrating Lebron James, Michael Jordan is showing support for James.
"I support LJ," Jordan's spokesperson told Yahoo Sports. "He's doing an amazing job for his community."
Update Aug. 4, 2018 3:52 p.m. EDT: First lady Melania Trump issued a statement in support of LeBron James Saturday, in response to President Trump's late-night tweet attacking the basketball star.
The statement regarding President Donald Trump's late-night tweets about James was prompted on social media, as the hashtag #BeBest trended on social media -- referring to the First Lady's anti-cyber bullying campaign, according to the Washington Post.
In the statement, Melania Trump said James is “working to do good things” and she would be open to visiting James’ new I Promise School in Akron, Ohio.
Below is the full statement from Stephanie Grisham, Melania Trump's spokesperson, from CNBC:
"It looks like LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation and just as she always has, the First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today. As you know, Mrs. Trump has traveled the country and world talking to children about their well-being, healthy living, and the importance of responsible online behavior with her Be Best initiative. Her platform centers around visiting organizations, hospitals and schools, and she would be open to visiting the I Promise School in Akron."
Original Story: President Donald Trump attempted a slam-dunk Friday night on NBA icon LeBron James, taking a swipe at the intelligence of the newest member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Referencing an interview CNN's Don Lemon did with James about the I Promise School for at-risk students, the president tweeted that James "was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon."
“He made LeBron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!” Trump tweeted, making a reference to NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.
Lemon did the interview with James on Monday, when the NBA all-star launched the elementary school in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
“Sports has never been something that divides people," James said to Lemon. "It's always been something that brings someone together."
However, James said he believed Trump was “using sports to kind of divide us.” Lemon asked James what he would say to the president if he was sitting in front of him.
“I wouldn’t sit across from him,” James said. “I’d sit across from Barack (Obama), though.”
The ball has been in James’ court before. In September he called Trump a “bum” for rescinding his White House invitation to the NBA champion Golden State Warriors.
"Going to the White House was a great honor until you showed up!" James tweeted at the time.
James had not responded to Trump’s tweet as of early Saturday.
About the Author
