Zlatan To LeBron: 'Do What You're Good At', 'Stay Out Of' Politics

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) - Former LA Galaxy superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic is taking shots at the city's biggest star athlete for his outspoken - and sometimes controversial - approach to politics.

Ibrahimovic - now back with AC Milan - slammed Lakers star LeBron James for speaking out on various issues, calling it a "mistake".

"[LeBron] is phenomenal at what he's doing, but I don't like when people have some kind of status, they go and do politics at the same time," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying. "Do what you're good at. Do the category you do. I play football because I'm the best at playing football.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 04: Zlatan Ibrahimovic attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

He continued: "I don't do politics. If I would be a political politician, I would do politics. That is the first mistake people do when they become famous and they become in a certain status. Stay out of it. Just do what you do best because it doesn't look good."

James hasn't shied away from wading into politically- and racially-charged issues, most recently denouncing the U.S. Capitol riots and speaking out against racial injustice and police brutality.

But while James is considered LA sports royalty, Ibrahimovic is less beloved by the city, leaving the Galaxy after winning one playoff game in his two seasons.

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