Even LeBron James needs a union. The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar may rake in over $75 million a year between his salary and endorsement deals. First and foremost, however, he’s an employee; league ownership does not guarantee these benefits. LeBron’s participation in the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) reflects this reality. Since 2015, the league’s single most important player has also served as its union’s vice president.

More than any other sport, professional basketball’s central storylines — and its real balance of power — revolve around the trials and triumphs of its elite protagonists. The same goes for the NBPA.

Throughout the league’s history, the highest paid and most recognizable players have taken a leading role in the union and the players’ struggle to secure an equitable share of NBA riches. Today, Chris Paul, the nine-time All-Star point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, serves as union president; LeBron is vice president; and both Knicks megastar Carmelo Anthony and reigning MVP Steph Curry belong to the eight-man executive committee.