LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, And Other NBA Stars Honored Martin Luther King Jr.


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Martin Luther King Jr. day is always a special time in the NBA. The league embraces the holiday with a full day of games and many teams and players do special things to honor the civil rights legend who was assassinated in 1968. This year’s festivities brought a mix of reverence for King’s legacy and inspiration to carry forward his works.

Player wore shirts with a King Jr. quote on the backs, and various teams did special tributes to the civil rights legend. Afternoon games in the NBA started at 12:30 in New York, with the Knicks taking on the Thunder. Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook wore a special Equality colorway of his signature shoe to honor King Jr. on Monday.

Other players paid special tribute to King Jr. on Monday, including LeBron James, who shared a King quote along with a video clip of a basketball non-profit in Chicago.

Carmelo Anthony is waiting to see if he will find his way off the Houston Rockets on Monday, but he took the time to honor King Jr. with a message on Twitter.

Other NBA players visited important civil rights landmarks, including the civil rights museum in Washington D.C.

The Memphis Grizzlies celebrated an afternoon tip with a special offer for government employees currently furloughed in the government shutdown.

The NBA is one of the most socially aware leagues through and through, from players and coaches to teams. It’s no surprise given the current landscape that many took special time to appreciate the work and legacy of one of the most important citizens the country has ever seen.