During LeBron James' career, he has increasingly become more involved with the National Basketball Players Association and he is now vice president.

"No need for motivation," James said Friday. "I understand how important our next collective bargaining talks are gonna be. I'm a big part of it, from our side. No extra needed motivation. It's just common sense."

James replaces Roger Mason, who is not an active player and has taken a full-time job with the union.

Chris Paul urged James to take a larger role in union affairs going forward.

"Me and CP is going to be talking through the rest of the year," James said. "He wanted me to be a part of it, and I had no problems as soon as he mentioned it. We're going to be talking through the rest of the season. Our communication goes throughout the season anyway, but it's going to be continued now."

The Executive Committee of the union under Michelle Roberts is star-heavy, whereas the likes of Derek Fisher and Mason had the key roles under Billy Hunter.

Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala, Kyle Korver, Willie Green and Anthony Tolliver are also current vice presidents.

"(LeBron) actually had thought about running for president (before Paul was elected), but having to respect the process and the work that was involved, he really didn't feel at that time it was the right move, not having been on the board, not having been around guys and been involved in the process," James Jones said. "So this was an opportunity for him to actually become a member on the board, a senior member on the board, lean on his teammates and board members and partner up with Chris Paul to really give the union some direction. And it will be the best direction it's had in a long time."

"I'm my own guy," James said. "I understand how important the business of basketball is. The National Basketball Association is the National Business Association. I understand that. For me, I want to make sure that I'm protected, and the players are protected, and the league. You know, both sides want to continue to build this beautiful league that we have. The All-Star Game was (televised) in more than 200 countries in the world, and we want to continue that. We want to continue the drive what we have. Hopefully both sides can come to an agreement that fits both sides."