“I’m all in favor of anyone – athlete or non-athlete – being able to express what they believe in a peaceful manner,” James said at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Media Day.
“And that’s exactly what Colin Kaepernick is doing, and I respect that.”
The silent protests have angered some fans, who see it as disrespectful to the US flag, sparking debate about race relations, policing and the mixing of politics and sports.
James, who earlier this year was ranked third on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes of 2016, said he will be standing when the Star-Spangled Banner is played ahead of his team’s pre-season opener on October 5.
“Standing for the national anthem is something I will do,” said James. “That’s who I am, that’s what I believe in, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect and don’t agree with what Colin Kaepernick is doing.