LeBron James Donates $2.5 Million to Smithsonian's Muhammad Ali Exhibit

— -- Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James will donate $2.5 million to support a Muhammad Ali exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

"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," James told USA Today Sports on Thursday.

James, his charitable foundation and business partner Maverick Carter are pledging the donation total for "Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change."

"His support will help us to continue the story of Muhammad Ali and will encourage athletes to realize how important athletics is in terms of social justice," museum founding director Lonnie Bunch said, according to USA Today.

The new Smithsonian museum opened in September. In August, Michael Jordan pledged $5 million to the museum.

Ali, a three-time heavyweight champion and social activist, died in June at the age of 74.

"I am overwhelmed by the incredible generosity LeBron James has shown," Ali's wife Lonnie said in a statement. "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. ... I know that if Muhammad was alive today he would be honored."