Kareem Abdul-Jabbar clarified his criticism
of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James shortly after saying that James has done things that are “embarrassing” and “are
beneath him”.

Also Read: NCAA final: Kansas beats North Carolina 72-69 to win fourth title

Kareem said that he would be willing to meet Lakers’ James to discuss their differences on issues like vaccine advocacy. “I admire the things he’s done… Sending a whole school to college, wow, that’s amazing… Some of the things he’s done he should be embarrassed by.”

In an email statement sent to the Los
Angeles Times on Sunday afternoon, Abdul-Jabbar explained his thoughts about
James as an activist. He had called the Lakers forward a “daunting hero” and
said that his full comments about James were simply a recap of remarks he has
made in the past.

Also Read: Suspect arrested in California shooting incident; all 6 dead identified

“Over the years, I’ve been asked to comment
on and write about LeBron James,” Abdul-Jabbar began. “A couple years ago, I
wrote an article for Sports Illustrated about LeBron as a Sportsperson of the
Year in which I said: ‘[T]his generation couldn’t do any better in the hero
department than LeBron James. Part of being a hero is to have both the modesty
to feel unworthy of such a heavy word and the strength to accept the
responsibility that comes with others looking to you to be that hero. What is a
hero but someone who stands up for those who can’t? Who embodies our cherished
ideals of sportsmanship: fair play, hard work and compassion? That pretty much
describes the LeBron James I’ve watched and come to know since he was the No. 1
pick in the 2003 NBA draft and was named Rookie of the Year.’ In the two years
since I wrote that, my respect and admiration has only grown for LeBron as I
watched him champion worthwhile causes while maintaining his status as an elite
athlete. As he closes is on my all-time scoring record, I have been a
cheerleader urging him on, happy to pass the mantle to someone so worthy as an
athlete and a person.

Also Read: NBA: Kristaps Porzingis scores 24 against Dallas Mavericks as Wizards win 135-103

“LeBron is still the daunting hero I
described two years ago. He’s still a major force in improving lives in the
Black Community. He’s still one of the greatest basketball players in history.
He’s still a man who has earned the overwhelming admiration of millions. And
every day he goes out and proves why he deserves that admiration.

Also Read: NBA: Luka Doncic’s 35 points, 13 assists send Dallas Mavs past Cleveland 120-112

“On occasion I have chided LeBron when I
thought he was dropping the ball when it came to supporting the community. But
I did so in the spirit of a loving older brother offering guidance, whether
wanted or not. So, when I said that he has done some things he should be
embarrassed about, that wasn’t a slam or a barb or even a finger wag, it was me
recapping some of what I’d said in the past. The Sports Illustrated article was
an homage to LeBron for winning the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award for his role in
social activism. So, when I think he may be veering from the path that made him
win that award, I’ll mention it. I’m a journalist. That’s what I do. But I
believe LeBron is strong enough and gracious enough to understand that I have
only love for him in my heart.”

Also Read: NBA: Trae Young leads surging Atlanta Hawks past struggling Cavaliers 131-107

Abdul-Jabbar made the comment about James
when he was in Los Angeles to present Carmelo Anthony with the NBA’s inaugural
Social Justice Champion award on Sunday. Talking to reporters after a brief
ceremony, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer heaped praise on James for his work
in the community but maintained that the 37-year-old superstar could be doing
more.

Also Read: NBA: Saddiq Bey’s late scoring surge helps Detroit top Philadelphia 76ers 102-94

“I admire the things that he’s done that
have gotten all our attention,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Sending a whole school to
college? Wow. That’s amazing. His thoughtfulness and willingness to back it up
with his wallet, you got to give him credit for that.