LeBron James, Anthony Davis and fellow NBA players kicked off the return of the season by showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement during Thursday's games. The game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, held at The Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, began with the players kneeling and wearing Black Lives Matter shirts as the Compton Kidz Club virtually performed the national anthem.
Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans did the same thing ahead of their game, with Jon Batiste playing the national anthem.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed that he respects the "teams' unified act of peaceful protest for social justice and under these unique circumstances will not enforce our long-standing rule requiring standing during the playing of our national anthem."
Some players also donned league-approved social justice messages on their jerseys where their names usually appear. Among the phrases were "Say Her Name," "Equality," "Listen to Us" and "Liberation."
The NBA players are in a coronavirus "bubble," where teams are sequestered at Walt Disney World hotels for the remainder of the regular season games and upcoming playoffs to prevent the spread of the virus among players and their families. The athletes from 22 of the 30 teams started quarantining in the Walt Disney World Resort nearly a month ago to prepare for their return.
Ahead of the NBA restart, and as the players made their way onto the court, many couldn't help but notice James' fashionable accessory.
Wearing a bluish-gray matching short-sleeve button-up shirt and shorts, the athlete was carrying a black mini purse.
Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans did the same thing ahead of their game, with Jon Batiste playing the national anthem.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed that he respects the "teams' unified act of peaceful protest for social justice and under these unique circumstances will not enforce our long-standing rule requiring standing during the playing of our national anthem."
Some players also donned league-approved social justice messages on their jerseys where their names usually appear. Among the phrases were "Say Her Name," "Equality," "Listen to Us" and "Liberation."
The NBA players are in a coronavirus "bubble," where teams are sequestered at Walt Disney World hotels for the remainder of the regular season games and upcoming playoffs to prevent the spread of the virus among players and their families. The athletes from 22 of the 30 teams started quarantining in the Walt Disney World Resort nearly a month ago to prepare for their return.
Ahead of the NBA restart, and as the players made their way onto the court, many couldn't help but notice James' fashionable accessory.
Wearing a bluish-gray matching short-sleeve button-up shirt and shorts, the athlete was carrying a black mini purse.
