The Los Angelas Lakers star laughed off the president’s criticisms about NBA players taking a knee during the national anthem, CNN reports.
What We Know:
- As calls for racial and social justice remain at the forefront of conversation around the country, NBA players and coaches across the league have taken a knee during the national anthem while wearing “Black Lives Matter” shirts.
- President Donald Trump told Fox News Wednesday that their decision was “not acceptable,” and cited his support for the leagues restart during the coronavirus pandemic. Trump also added that other than Abraham Lincoln, he had done the most for the Black community.
- “Are you trying to make me laugh right now?” LeBron said to reporters after hearing the president’s comments. “I really don’t think the basketball community [is] sad about losing his viewership,” he added. “The game will go on without his eyes on it. I can sit here and speak for all of us that love the game of basketball. We [couldn’t] care less.”
- James also noted the importance of the November election in instituting change. “I hope everyone, no matter the race, no matter the color, no matter their sides, see what leadership that we have at the top of our country and understand that November is right around the corner, and it’s a big moment for us as Americans.”
- LeBron has been a consistent advocate of the fight for racial equality, even starting the “More Than A Vote” initiative to help protect Black voting rights.
Though he is happy with the efforts the NBA is taking to recognize the problem, James has pushed for further change, saying we can’t “let our foot off the gas.”
