LeBron supports California bill to pay student-athletes

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 9: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 9, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE

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LeBron James is rallying support for a bill that would allow college athletes in California to earn money from endorsements or sponsorship deals.

The Los Angeles Lakers star took to Twitter on Thursday to urge Californians to support SB 206, also known as the Fair Pay to Play Act, which would prohibit schools and other organizations from preventing student-athletes from being compensated for the use of their name, image, or likeness.

Everyone is California- call your politicians and tell them to support SB 206! This law is a GAME CHANGER. College athletes can responsibly get paid for what they do and the billions they create.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 5, 2019

"California can change the game," James tweeted. "This is only right waaaayy overdue. #morethananathlete."

James also referenced "Student Athlete," the 2018 documentary he executive produced about the exploitation of college athletes.

We started this fight with our doc “Student Athlete” on HBO. Just getting started! 🙏🏾💪🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 5, 2019

The proposed legislation passed 31-4 by the California State Senate in May. If approved by the California Assembly, it would become effective in 2023.