Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James gave a £2.5million donation to a prominent Muhammad Ali exhibit because he felt the legendary boxer helped inspire his own career.

James, his charitable foundation and James’ business partner Maverick Carter made the hefty donation to the new exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Former NBA stars such as Michael Jordan ($5m) and Magic Johnson ($1m) have also donated to help the exhibit at the recently opened museum.

"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 demeanour," James said via USA TODAY Sports.

"I think of him every day. Without his passion and goals and morals, I don't know if I'd be sitting here today talking to you about it."