LeBron James says he's not running for NBPA president

Jeff Zillgitt | USA TODAY Sports

After days of careful consideration and research, Miami Heat star LeBron James decided he will not run for president or vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, a person familiar with James' decision told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about James' plans.

Interested in union matters and the direction of the NBPA, James had considered both executive committee positions comprised of players but concluded he would not have enough time at this point in his career to give the positions the necessary attention they require. James called Heat teammate and NBPA secretary-treasurer James Jones on Monday and told him of his decision.

James discussed the role with several people and realized he didn't want to commit to something he couldn't focus on 100%, especially at such a critical time for the union, which needs to name a new executive director to replace Billy Hunter as well as vote for a president.

Last weekend at James' charity event in Akron, Ohio, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the direction of the NBPA.

"I just think the union is going backwards, and it's not in a good place right now," he told ESPN, referring to controversy that had engulfed the NBPA.

Some in union leadership wanted James to become president or vice president and give the NBPA a significant voice with major star power.

Short of becoming an officer the union, James told NBPA leadership that he wants to be a voice for change and when his voice is needed, he will participate. He also indicated he wants to be keep abreast of union matters through his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, just like many other players ask their agents to help them stay on top of union issues.

The NBPA plans to meet in Las Vegas next week and vote for a new president, and it appears that Derek Fisher's run as president – the past 18 months have been mired in controversy – will come to end.

NBPA executive committee vice president Roger Mason Jr., has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Fisher, a person familiar the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about union matters.

In Las Vegas, the union also will take steps toward finding a replacement for Hunter, the former NBPA executive director who was ousted at All-Star weekend amid a scandal involving his handling of union matters and finances. Hunter has sued the NBPA and Fisher, and Fisher and the NBPA have asked a California court to drop the suit.

The NBPA may hire a search firm to narrow candidates for the executive director's job.