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Photos: Lakers Protest Eric Garner Decision With 'I Can't Breathe' Shirts
During warm-ups last night, the Lakers showed their solidarity with those who have been protesting a grand jury's decision to not indict the NYPD officer who choked Eric Garner to death in an incident that was caught on video.
"I can't breathe" were Garner's infamous last words and they've become a rallying cry for protesters taking a stand against police brutality. NBA players have been taking the protest to the masses by wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase. It started with Derrick Rose, who said Garner's story resonated with his experience: "I grew up and I saw it every day. Not killing or anything like that, but I saw the violence every day. Just seeing what can happen. If anything, I'm just trying to change the kids' minds across the nation and it starts here."
LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett were also spotted with the T-shirt. Last night, it was the Lakers' turn. Kobe Bryant told the Associated Press:
"I think if we ever lose the courage to be able to speak up for things that we believe in, I think we really lose the value that our country stands for. It's important that we have our opinions. It's important that we stand up for what we believe in. We all don't have to agree with it, and that's completely fine. That's what makes this a beautiful country."
Here's the rest of the crew:
Warm ups. https://t.co/EeoScltnt9
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 10, 2014
Here's a shot from the locker room:
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