INDEPENDENCE -- On Martin Luther King Day, LeBron James' thoughts weren't solely on his matchup with his key rivals.
The Cavaliers forward spoke to reporters during Monday's shootaround prior to the evening's matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
When asked for his thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr., James honored the civil rights leader, while also seemingly taking a shot at President Trump.
"He had a vision and he took a bullet for all of us -- literally," James said of King Jr. "...For us to stand here, even though we're trying to be divided right now by somebody, today is a great day for people to realize how America was built and how we all have to stand united in order to be at one, especially as Americans because we all know and we all believe this is the greatest country in the world."
James also said he hopes to continue to raise awareness to equality.
He wears the date July 14, 2016 on his shoes to remember the powerful speech he gave at the ESPYs alongside Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul. He said his aim that night was to continue the conversation in equality, and it remains necessary today.
"We are in a difficult state right now as Americans as well with the leader of our country, but no matter the religion, no matter the shapes or size, we all have to continue to come together and shine a brighter light on, I hate to use the word stupidity, but that's basically what it comes down to," James said.
James said people need to stay involved in their communities and promote creativity and awareness among our youth. He also said he knows change doesn't happen quickly, calling it more of a marathon than a sprint.
"The state of racism will never die, but what we cannot do is allow it to conquer us," James said. "As people, we cannot allow it to divide us. The guy in control has given people and negative racism an opportunity to be outspoken without fear, and that's the fearful thing for us, because it's with you and it's around everyday."