LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. — LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers arrived to their opening playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers wearing red hats that, at first glance, looked like the “Make America Great Again” hats that have become synonymous with supporters of President Donald Trump.
But, upon closer review, the hats read: "Make America Great Again Arrest The Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor."
Breonna Taylor, a Black emergency medical technician, was shot and killed in her apartment by plainclothes Louisville Police department officers executing a “no-knock” warrant related to a narcotics investigation in the early morning hours of March 13, 2020.
No drugs were found. None of the officers involved were charged, though the Kentucky Attorney General’s office is investigating the incident.
Following the game against the Trail Blazers, the 4x NBA MVP spoke to reporters about Taylor while wearing the hat.
"You know, this is something that we continue to put our foot on the gas, continue to pressure,” James said.
“An innocent woman being killed in Breonna Taylor, a woman who had a bright future and her future was taken away from her. And there's been no arrests. There's been no justice. Not only for her, but for her family. And we want to continue to shed light on that situation, because it's just unjust, and that's what it's about,” he continued.
Much of the NBA’s restart at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World has been focused on social justice following the recent deaths of Taylor, George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. Players have worn messages of social justice on their jerseys, though some players have criticized the fact that the NBA had an "approved list" of messages.
In an interview with VICE TV’s “Stick to Sports” airing Wednesday, James, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, said that he would “for sure” campaign for Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
“What’s known doesn't need to be said,” James told co-hosts Jemele Hill and Cari Champion. “We are at a time where we need change. In order for change — it’s all about leadership, and leadership starts from the top.”
James famously campaigned in 2016 for Hillary Clinton.
The Lakers lost their playoff game against the Trail Blazers Tuesday, 100-93.