LeBron James Throws Shade at ‘Absurd’ US Gun Laws Following Las Vegas Campus Shooting
In a break from the usual pre-game banter, basketball superstar LeBron James took a serious turn on Wednesday, addressing the pressing issue of gun control in the United States. The outspoken player, known for his slam dunks and candid commentary, expressed his frustration following a recent shooting at a Las Vegas college campus.
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Taking a Timeout for Change
LeBron, who was in town for the NBA’s in-season tournament finale, didn’t hesitate to dive into the topic. “First of all, my condolences go to the families that lost loved ones, families and friends and everything,” he said, adopting a somber tone.
Same Old Story, Different Day
The 38-year-old athlete then highlighted the recurring nature of the gun control conversation in the US. “It just goes back to what I said before about guns in America. I think it’s such a longer conversation, but we keep dealing with the same story, this same conversation every single time it happens, and it just continues to happen.”
Gun Access: The Hoops We Jump Through
With a hint of exasperation, James discussed the ease with which individuals can obtain firearms. “The ability to get a gun, the ability to do these things over and over and over, and there’s been no change, is literally ridiculous. It makes no sense that we continue to lose innocent lives, on campuses, schools, at shopping markets and movie theaters.”
Putting the “Ridiculous” in Gun Laws
In a more lighthearted moment (if such a thing is possible in this heavy topic), LeBron injected a dose of humor into his critique. “It’s ridiculous. The fact that we haven’t changed anything — it’s actually been easier to be able to own a firearm. It’s stupid.”
From Courtside to the Political Arena
This isn’t LeBron’s first dance in the gun control debate. He’s previously stepped up to the free-throw line of activism, notably after the 2018 shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. James also used the platform of the 2016 ESPY Awards to issue a rallying cry against gun violence and racial injustice, urging fellow players to educate themselves and help strengthen communities.
Full-Court Press for Change
Closing his impromptu press conference, LeBron left his fans with a message. “We all have to do better,” he said, once again taking the ball and running with it, not on the court, but in the fight for change.
