LeBron James says ‘it would be great’ for champion Lakers to visit

NBA star LeBron James on Thursday said “it would be great” to visit the White House under President Biden, potentially reviving a tradition among championship teams that was all but abandoned during former President TrumpDonald TrumpIran’s leader vows ‘revenge,’ posting an image resembling Trump Former Sanders spokesperson: Biden ‘backing away’ from ‘populist offerings’ Justice Dept. to probe sudden departure of US attorney in Atlanta after Trump criticism MORE’s administration. 

USA Today reported that the Los Angeles Lakers forward told reporters that he would support the idea of his 2020 champion team visiting the White House, though he noted there could be logistical difficulties amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“I don’t think we’ve had any conversations with our team,” James said. “I have no idea with all the COVID rules and restrictions and everything going on with our league. I’m not even sure if we’re even allowed to go.”

Earlier this month, league sources told Yahoo Sports that the Lakers hoped to visit the White House during the 2020-21 season following Biden’s inauguration. 

Up until Trump’s presidency, the White House has traditionally hosted the NBA championship team in the following season when played the Washington Wizards in the nation’s capital. 

The last NBA championship team to visit the White House was the Cleveland Cavaliers, which included James at the time, in November 2016 with former President Obama, just days after Trump’s election. 

The first NBA team to win following Trump’s inauguration was the Golden State Warriors. After star player Stephen Curry signaled the team had no interest in visiting Trump’s White House, Trump announced that Curry’s invitation had been “withdrawn,” and the team ultimately declined to celebrate their win at the White House. 

The Toronto Raptors also declined a White House invite following their championship win over the Warriors in 2019.

Additionally, the 2017 WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx were not invited to the White House, and neither were the 2018 champions, the Seattle Storm. 

James, who has repeatedly used his celebrity status to advocate against racial inequality across the country, in early November officially endorsed Biden on social media.

The NBA player the day before the presidential election posted a photo of Biden and running mate Kamala HarrisKamala HarrisHarris takes up temporary residence at Blair House Amanda Gorman captures national interest after inauguration performance Democrats formally elect Harrison as new DNC chair MORE on Instagram, writing, “One more day. Please.” 

“We need EVERYTHING to change and it all starts tomorrow,” he added in the post.