LeBron: Popovich is 'one of my all-time favorite people'

The lovefest between LeBron James and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich continues.

After being told Sunday that Popovich compared him to the superhero from Marvel's "Black Panther" in terms of his impact as a role model, the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar expressed his appreciation for the coach.

"You guys know how much I love Pop ..." James told reporters following his team's 110-94 loss to the Spurs, via ESPN. "Pop is definitely one of my all-time favorite people that I've ever crossed paths with in my life."

James, 33, explained why it's important for him to use his platform to inspire youth.

"For me as an athlete and for me as a role model, I just try to do my part to help these kids understand how important their lives are," he said. "They can become anything in this world. No matter the negativity that may be going on around them, there's always a brighter side.

"So for me, while I have this platform, I'm gonna continue to do that. I'm going to continue to lend my voice, lend my spirit, and lend my inspiration to these kids 'cause I know exactly what they're going through, 'cause I was one of them at one point in time not too long ago."

James, who was raised by a single mother in a financially unstable situation, now uses his fame and fortune to speak out on social issues and give back to his community. He's donated millions of dollars to education initiatives and is even opening a school for at-risk youth in his hometown of Akron.

Related - LeBron: Opening school among most important things I've ever done

The megastar registered 33 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists in Sunday's defeat. He can become an unrestricted free agent this summer.