LeBron James Donates $2.5M to Smithsonian for Muhammad Ali Exhibit

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James, longtime business partner Maverick Carter and the LeBron James Family Foundation combined to donate $2.5 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian for a Muhammad Ali exhibit.

Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today reported Thursday the new showcase, "Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change," will honor the life of the boxing legend following his death in June. James commented on the lasting impact Ali had on his life:

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Muhammad Ali is such a cornerstone of me as an athlete because of what he represented not only in the ring as a champion but more outside the ring — what he stood for, what he spoke for, his demeanor. I think of him every day. Without his passion and goals and morals, I don’t know if I’d be sitting here today talking to you about it.

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The report noted two other NBA legends previously joined the cause, with six-time champion Michael Jordan donating $5 million, and five-time champion Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie, contributing "at least $1 million" to the museum.

Lonnie Ali, the boxer's wife, released a statement to USA Today about the most recent donation, stating her husband would be honored by the support.

"I am overwhelmed by the incredible generosity LeBron James has shown," she said. "This exhibit will enable children visiting the Smithsonian to learn more about Muhammad's work outside of the ring, particularly his humanitarian work and stance on social justice for all people."

Ali rose to fame inside the boxing ring, becoming an undisputed heavyweight champion during a career that spanned more than two decades. He proceeded to use his platform for the greater good as a key advocate for issues like social justice.

When Ali died in June at age 74, James stated those persistent activist efforts helped pave the way for athletes like himself to become global icons with the power to push for further change, per Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press:

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When an icon like Muhammad Ali passes away, it's very emotional. It's also gratifying to know that a guy, one man, would sacrifice so much in his individual life knowing that it would better the next generation of men and women after him.

Today I can go to China and all over the world and people know my name and know my face. I give all credit to Muhammad Ali because he was the first icon. He is the GOAT. He's the greatest of all time and it has zero to do with his accomplishments inside the ring.

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James joined fellow NBA players and close friends Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade to make an opening statement at the 2016 ESPYS about working together to reduce violence following a series of high-profile shootings across the country, per ESPN.com.

"We all have to do better," James concluded.

His donation to help preserve Ali's legacy at the Smithsonian will help ensure the next generation of Americans, those who may not be familiar with the back story of initial backlash the boxer faced for taking a stand, to understand why he remains so revered.