LeBron James subjected to hate crime, Los Angeles home vandalized

On the eve of game one of the NBA Finals, TMZ has reported LeBron James home in Los Angeles has been vandalized in a hate crime.

According to TMZ Sports, police tell them that LeBron James’ summer home Los Angeles has been vandalized.

"Here’s what we know … multiple LAPD units and a neighborhood patrol vehicle responded to the home early Wednesday morning. We’re told the word was scrawled on the outer gate."

According to police, the “N-word”was sprayed on the outer gate of his Los Angeles home. Investigators are looking for security footage from neighbors to see if they can see the suspect.

The police responded to the home Wednesday morning. Police are now investigating the incident.

LeBron James was not home at the time of the incident. He is obviously in the Bay Area getting ready for game one of the NBA Finals, which tips off tomorrow night.

[Editor’s note: the following was added by site expert Quenton Albertie]

James has been one of the more vocal NBA players and because of his outspoken nature and the stature of his stardom he’s been a loud voice when there are divisive social issues. James, who has a huge following, was recently ranked as the No. 2 most popular athlete in the world behind soccer phenom Cristiano Ronaldo.

This isn’t likely to sit well with fans or, especially, the African-American community. Unfortunately, with the current social climate, there hasn’t been a sense of inclusiveness within the country. When one of the country’s biggest celebrities, and a man who represents everything with class while being the personification of the American Dream, it’s really time to consider how to world is devolving due to ideologies that support supremacy.

We are all equals.

This incident is a firm example of that.

What do you think of the incident? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.