Basketball legend Michael Jordan threw his support behind LeBron James on Saturday after President Donald Trump wrote a tweet bashing the Los Angeles Lakers icon.
NBC News’ Geoff Bennett reported that Jordan released a statement through a spokesperson:
I support LJ. He's doing an amazing job for his community.
Trump wrote on Twitter Friday night:
Jordan joins a collection of current and former NBA players who defended James.
Trump’s comments came four days after CNN's Don Lemon interviewed James on Monday. The interview also covered an announcement by LeBron James Family Foundation and the Akron (Ohio) Public Schools about a new elementary school for at-risk children, ESPN reported. Akron is James’ his hometown.
During the interview, James said Trump is using sports in a divisive way, when sports is actually a great way to bring people together.
First lady Melania Trump praised James the day after her husband had insulted him, the Guardian reported. She said she would consider visiting his new public school.
The first lady’s spokesperson issued the following statement to the Guardian:
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.
This is not the first time James and the president have been at odds. In September 2017, James called Trump a bum after he rescinded an invitation for the Golden State Warriors to celebrate their championship with a visit to the White House.
Saturday morning, James tweeted pictures of students from his school.
