LeBron James, who last season led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first N.B.A. championship, endorsed Hillary Clinton for president on Sunday.

Mr. James announced his decision in an op-ed article in Business Insider, saying that Mrs. Clinton understands the struggles of childhood poverty and as president would enact policies that would build on the legacy of President Obama.

He also said he believed Mrs. Clinton would champion causes for children, provide more educational opportunities and “address the violence, of every kind, the African-American community is experiencing.”

“Only one person running truly understands the struggles of an Akron child born into poverty,” wrote Mr. James, who grew up in Akron and who praised his own foundation’s efforts to help at-risk young people. “And when I think about the kinds of policies and ideas the kids in my foundation need from our government, the choice is clear. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.”