LeBron James made clear his young daughter Zhuri was at the forefront of his mind as he lamented the outcome of Tuesday’s presidential election.

GOP candidate Donald Trump will return for a second term at the White House after a decisive victory over Democrat nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. Los Angeles Lakers superstar James had endorsed the Harris campaign in the days before in the election, slamming the inflammatory rhetoric which has often underpinned Trump’s political career.

Women’s rights were also at the heart of James’ support for Harris, who fell short in her bid to become the first female president of the United States after campaigning for – among other things – pro-choice abortion rights. Trump, meanwhile, has faced accusations of sexism, misogyny and sexual misconduct over the years, which he denies.

Shortly after Trump’s victory was secured on Wednesday, four-time NBA champion James took to Instagram to share a poiniant message for his 10-year-old daughter. Alongside a picture of James holding her while she at an ice cream at a Lakers game, he wrote: “Heavy on my heart and mind this a.m. My princess. Promise to protect you with everything I have and more. We don’t need their help.”

Zhuri is one of three children James has with his wife, Savannah. They also have 20-year-old Bronny, who plays for the Lakers alongside his father, and 17-year-old Bryce.

James was vocal in his support for Harris on the eve of the election, posting a compilation of quotes from Trump and his supporters on social media. He said: “What are we even talking about here?? When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!”

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James and the President-elect have had their run-ins over the years, with the four-time MVP calling him a “bum” in 2017 after Trump criticized Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors’ apparent hesitancy to attend the White House during his first term.

“U bum,” James wrote on social media. “@StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!”

James also fired back at Trump after he called NBA players “disgraceful” for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice. Trump claimed he turned off the TV when he saw players kneel, but James said: “I really don’t think the basketball community are sad about losing his viewership.”

Their feud continued in 2018 when Trump said James was unintelligent before posting on social media: “I like Mike,” in reference to Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan.

James, 39, has been a longtime Democrat supporter, endorsing Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden’s presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020 respectively.