Add Kobe Bryant and the Lakers to the growing list of athletes like LeBron James, Derrick Rose and Reggie Bush, showing support for the family of Eric Garner. The 43-year-old died after being placed in a choke hold by police. His last words, “I can’t breathe.”
Tipping off in moments. #GoLakers pic.twitter.com/YTE9LSqWty
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 10, 2014
Lakers Basketball, #ICantBreathe. https://t.co/hQBEyRUvK2 Photo Credit: @AMart49er. pic.twitter.com/JN2pJpnzUm
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) December 10, 2014
Some people are shocked that Kobe would show support for Garner, after comments he made about the Trayvon Martin situation. In an interview, Kobe stated that he wouldn’t support someone without knowing the facts just because they were black.
Back up center Robert Sacre was the only guy on the team who didn’t wear the shirt. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has stated while he supports the players having their own voice, he’d prefer if they stuck to the NBA on-court apparel.