NBA star LeBron James might have just received the greatest compliment of all time from boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife Khalilah Ali. During an interview, Khalilah Ali praised LeBron, calling him the “Muhammad Ali of Basketball”. It is no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers player has always admired Ali. Not just for his skills and successful boxing career, but for the work that Ali had done outside the ring.

When Ali passed away, James expressed his gratitude to him. He said that his professional career wasn’t the only factor that made him the GOAT. He went on to mention that he respected Ali because he always stood up for what he believed in. It is indeed true that Ali had always been very vocal regarding his thoughts. He made sure his opinions were always clear to the rest of the world.

“For an athlete like myself today, without Muhammad Ali, I wouldn’t be sitting up here talking in front of you guys,” said James.

Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife praises ‘icon’ LeBron James

In an interview with TMZ, boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife, Khalilah Ali was all praise for NBA star LeBron James. She called him an outstanding athlete and referred to him as an icon. She commended him for having a great presence and the charity work that he has done outside the court.

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James has indeed always been very active in charity work. The LeBron James Family Foundation has been raising money for the welfare of children since 2005. In 2016, James donated a sum of $2.5 million to the Smithsonian National Museum for the exhibition on Muhammad Ali. Khalilah added that Ali would have been supportive of James and would have in fact looked up to him.

“He would really look up to James,” said Khalilah to TMZ.

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Earlier, James was joined by fellow NBA players Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony to make a statement regarding social activism during the ESPYs. The NBA stars honored Ali’s legacy and urged people to help make a better society the way Ali did.

James continues Muhammad Ali’s legacy

Apparently, Khalilah is not the only person who admires the Lakers star. The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich had a lot of positive things to say regarding James. He expressed how proud he was, seeing James improve into a better person, not just in the league but as a human being.

Popovich was clear that nobody could be as good as Ali in terms of sport but he mentioned that James was “in the same genre” as the boxing legend. He believes that James will be an icon for the people of this generation.

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“But in that same genre, I am so proud of this guy and so pleased for him that from the time he came in (to the league) as a teenager, to see his development now — basketball? Sure, fine — but as a human being–“ said Popovich.

Do you agree with Khalilah Ali and Gregg Popovich? Let us know in the comments below.