NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers wears an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt during warmups before his game against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at the Barclays Center on December 8, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NBABy Kevin Trahan on

LeBron James’ Los Angeles house was vandalized and spray-painted with the n-word, according to TMZ.

James doesn’t primarily live in the Los Angeles home, as he spends much of his time in Cleveland, and he was not at the property when it was vandalized. TMZ claims the vandalism is being investigated as a hate crime.

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.

We’re told investigators are looking for security footage from neighbors which may show the perpetrator.

Records show LeBron bought the house back in 2015 but it does not appear he lives there on any regular basis.

The graffiti has since been covered up.

ESPN spoke with police and confirmed the report.

James has been outspoken about racism, and he has made statements and gestures in support of black men who were killed by police. However, it’s unclear whether that outspokenness had anything to do with his house being targeted.

James responded by saying he hopes it will keep the conversation going on race, and that most important of all, his family is safe.

“It just goes to show that racism will always be part of the world, part of America, and hate in America, especially for African Americans, is living every day,” James said. “Even though it’s concealed most of the time, people will hide their faces and will say things about you, but when they see you they’ll smile in your face. It’s alive every day. And I think back to Emmett Till’s mom, actually, it’s actually one of the first things I thought about. And she had an open casket because she wanted to show the world what her son went through as far as a hate crime and being black in America.

“No matter how much money you have, no matter how famous you are, no matter how many people admire you, being black in America is, it’s tough, and we’ve got a long way to go for us as a society and for us as African-Americans until we feel equal in America. You know, but, my family is safe, and that’s what’s … that’s what’s important.”

Watch the full video here:

About Kevin Trahan

Kevin mostly covers college football and college basketball, with an emphasis on NCAA issues and other legal issues in sports. He is also an incoming law student. He's written for SB Nation, USA Today, VICE Sports, The Guardian and The Wall Street Journal, among others. He is a graduate of Northwestern University.

View all posts by Kevin Trahan

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