Basketball star and Ohio native LeBron James endorse Hillary Clinton for US president

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is backing Hillary Clinton. Photo / AP

Basketball star and Ohio native LeBron James is endorsing Hillary Clinton for president.

James says Clinton is a "champion for children and their futures".

He also says Clinton is running on a message of "hope and unity" that is needed to address violence in black communities.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star cast a vote for Clinton as a way to build on the legacy of President Barack Obama.

James detailed his support for Clinton in an op-ed in Business Insider and the Akron Beacon Journal. The Akron, Ohio, native announced his support on the eve of Clinton's visit to his hometown.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Photo / AP