LeBron James, Kevin Durant Discuss Racism And Slam Trump On ESPN

LeBron James has been extremely vocal regarding the way he feels about the current American political climate, and now him and Kevin Durant have spoken out again.

LeBron James, Kevin Durant racism comments

The two veterans — who are set to play in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles — discussed racism with ESPN’s Cari Champion in a pre-taped interview. James, 33, used a personal experience with prejudice to highlight the issues plaguing the nation.

Last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers star’s $20 million home in L.A. was vandalized with a racist slur that was spray-painted on the gate.

“I’m a black man with a bunch of money and a crib in Brentwood, and having the word ‘n—’ spray painted over my gate, that lets you know I still have a lot of work to do,” James said.

James continued: “No matter how far you come, there are always people who want to let you know that you are still beneath them. You either cave in to that notion or you say, you know what, I’m going to paint over this gate and make it taller.”

The King and Durant also both highly criticized President Donald Trump, whom James has taken aim at before. James called Trump a “bum” on Twitter in September after the President refused to let Stephen Curry visit the White House following the Golden State Warriors’ 2017 NBA Championship win. Curry has also slammed the former “Apprentice” star for his statements and policies, and said he did not wish to visit 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. (The Warriors were never officially invited)

James said Trump “is someone who doesn’t understand the people. And really doesn’t give a f— about the people.”

The Cavs forward supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, saying he was confident she would carry on the legacy Barack Obama had established.

“While we cannot change what comes out of that man’s mouth,” James said, “we can continue to alert the people that watch us, that listen to us, this is not the way.”

Durant has said he would not have visited the White House had the Warriors received an invitation following their title win.

“What’s going on in our country,” Durant said, “it’s all about leadership. I learned that playing basketball. I learned a lot of life skills from playing basketball. You need to empower people, you need to encourage people. That’s what builds a great team. And I feel like our team, as a country, is not run by a great coach.”

One person who was particularly irked by the NBA stars’ comments was Fox News host Laura Ingraham, who told the pair to “shut up and dribble.” Ingraham also mocked James for speaking out as a person who didn’t even finish high school.

Another prominent NBA figure, Warriors coach Steve Kerr, commented on the shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida on Wednesday in which 17 people died. A white nationalist group later claimed the perpetrator, a 19-year-old former student at the high school, belonged to their organization.

Actor George Takei shared the video on Twitter and praised Kerr:

The 2018 NBA All-Star Game will begin at 8 pm EST Sunday at Staples Center.

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers argues after being ejected in the second half by referee Kane Fitzgerald #5 while playing the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena on November 28, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 108-97. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)