LeBron James formally endorses Hillary Clinton

During the NBA season, LeBron James usually lets his play do the talking. 

But in the U.S. presidential race, the Cavaliers star is speaking his mind. 

In an editorial published by the Akron Beacon Journal on Monday, James endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who just happened campaigning not far from his hometown of Akron, Ohio. 

"The choice is clear ... And that candidate is Hillary Clinton," James wrote.

"For me, the main thing is going back into the communities and giving our world a better future," James told ESPN on Monday. "Our kids are our future and I believe Barack [Obama] started it and I believe Hillary is going to continue it." 

James, who helped Cleveland end its 52-year championship drought by winning the NBA title, believes Clinton can do more to help at-risk kids like he once was. He told the Associated Press that she's the only candidate who "truly understands the struggles of an Akron child born into poverty." 

James feels Clinton's background as "a champion" in working to improve public schools and more makes her worthy of his vote.

The three-time NBA Finals MVP was also active supporter of Obama's campaign in 2008 and has since developed a relationship over the last eight years that the President has been in office.

"We've become really good friends and from day one. I just always liked his vision, especially from a community standpoint," James said of the president to ESPN on Monday. "And I believe Hillary can continue that legacy that Barack has done for the last eight years. 

'You know who I'll be voting for' 

"I know she's actually in my hometown today, and because we have two practices today I won't be able to attend that, but we've been in communication about doing something and we'll figure it out," James said. "Obviously, my letter going out, it said enough if I'm not able to accomplish that. You know who I'll be voting for."

The four-time NBA MVP has been very active in communities around Ohio, including an initiative where his foundation partnered with the University of Akron in 2015. The 12-time all-star's foundation contributed over $41 million US in scholarships to help teenagers attend a post-secondary institution. 

"You guys know how important my community service is, especially in my hometown. That's a main point for me, the 31-year-old Akron native said." 

Former President Bill Clinton thanked James for his support on his Twitter account. 

Ohio is a key swing state in U.S. elections and in fact, no Democratic candidate since John F. Kennedy in 1960 has won the presidency without winning Ohio.

This hasn't been the first time that James has voiced his political opinion to the public. A week before the 2008 election, the then 23-year-old held a concert along with rapper Kanye West in support of Barack Obama at the Quicken Loans Arena, where the Cavaliers play their home games.