In honor of the eight people who lost their lives in the latest hate crime on Asians, the Los Angeles Lakers sent out a powerful message of solidarity with Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander communities.
Ahead of their duel with the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, the Lakers had a moment of silence after sharing their stand on the brutal killings of the eight innocent individuals in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, urging people to stop Asian hate.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 19, 2021
Among the eight killed in three massage parlors in Atlanta, six were of Asian descent. Reports also revealed that seven were women.
Like the Lakers, several teams and players have shared their disgust and grief over the mindless killings. Lakers star LeBron James called it “senseless and tragic” and lambasted the suspect. LeBron has been one of the most outspoken athletes in the world when it comes to social justice.
My condolences goes out to the families of all the victims and the entire Asian community tonight on what transpired in Atlanta at the Aromatherapy Spa. Coward a** young man!! Just senseless and tragic!! 🙏🏾❤️👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 17, 2021
Jeremy Lin, who recently dealt with racist remarks in the NBA G League, has expressed his solidarity with his fellow Asian-Americans.
This is sooo heartbreaking…praying for our world. To my Asian American family, please take time to grieve but know youre loved, seen and IMPORTANT. We have to keep standing up, speaking out, rallying together and fighting for change. We cannot lose hope!! ❤️#StopAsianHate #NOW https://t.co/Xm4ojbJALw
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) March 17, 2021
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young sent out his condolences to the families of the victims, while Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr posted a series of tweets denouncing the attacks.
SICK about what happened here in ATL yesterday, my Condolences go out to the family’s & loved ones who were affected by this tragedy😞 Nothing else needs to be said… I’m with you!❤️
STOP ASIAN HATE!!!!!!— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) March 17, 2021
It is on all of us to speak up & snuff out hate based violence. The current climate of animosity toward Asian Americans is idiotic and devastating. Just because a virus originated in a foreign country, we are going to blame people from that part of the world, denigrate them and
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) March 17, 2021
The Lakers and the NBA as a whole have been some of the more outspoken voices regarding recent social issues. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has allowed players, staff, and personnel to freely voice out their opinions on what's happening around them.
Their social justice efforts reached peak form in the NBA Bubble last season, which was eventually ruled by the Lakers. The NBA printed Black Lives Matter on the courts and allowed players to wear statement jerseys.
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