NBA superstar LeBron James said Wednesday he hoped a racial slur spray-painted on his Los Angeles home would "keep the conversation going" on intolerance, but conceded "racism will always be a part" of America.
“As I sit here on the eve of one of the greatest sporting events that we have in sports, race and what’s going on [in America] comes again,” James, who will lead the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors Thursday night, told reporters at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., USA Today reported.
“If this is to shed a light and to keep the conversation going on my behalf then I’m OK with it,” the three-time NBA campion said. “My family is safe and that’s the most important thing. It just goes to show racism will always be part of the world, part of America. Hate in America, especially for African Americans, is living every day.
“No matter how much money you have, how famous you are, how many people admire you, being black in America is tough. We have a long way to go … until we feel equal.”
“The most unfortunate part is that I’m here right now,” James added, "I can’t be home to see my boys. I won’t be home until next week, it is kind of killing me right now.
“I will be focused tomorrow on my game plan and these games but also know this, I am at a point where my priorities are in place and basketball comes second to my family. Basketball is not the most important thing in my life."