Doc Rivers comments on LA Sheriff challenging LeBron, says no one wants "anyone killed"

Over weekend, two deputies – one man and one woman – were shot by one man near a metro rail station in Compton. LA County offered a price of $100,000, while private parties contributed $75,000. With both deputies in critical condition, LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva went on a local radio show to talk about situation, where he issued a challenge to NBA icon LeBron James. 

Also read | Doc Rivers on LeBron: Doc Rivers feels Lakers load manment strategy is 'whatever LeBron James says'

LA ambush: Doc Rivers responds to challenge issued by Alex Villanueva to LeBron James

While on show, Villanueva challenged LeBron James to match total reward pool of $175,000 for shooting, or even double it. “I want you to match that and double that reward because I kw you care about law enforcement," Villanueva said. He added that James has had an "interesting" take on officer-involved shootings in USA and race relations referring to African-American community. According to Villanueva, one has to respect that "life goes across professions, races, creeds", and he appreciates all efforts.

Also read | LeBron James would have been 'greatest' NFL player ever: Clippers coach Doc Rivers

During an interview, LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was asked about incident and wher Villanueva's challenge was "fanning flames". coach's response was empathic, as he did t think sheriff wanted to fan flames. "“I just think we’re drawing attention to things that are happening in our country," Rivers said, before adding that one wants "anyone killed" and only want to make country a safe place. 

Also read | LeBron James' dishonest rhetoric to be blamed for Compton, LA Ambush: Candace Owens

Before sheriff's challenge, controversial author Candance Owens has called out James on Twitter, blaming him and his "hyperbolic, dishonest rhetoric" for shooting. She directly referred to his tweet about Ahmaud Arbery, where he wrote that black people are being hunted. In an interview later on, Owens even spoke about three-time NBA champions house in LA, and how he employees white people. "So if that's racism, LeBron, please, please share some of that with rest of us," Owens stated.

Also read | LA Ambush: LA Sheriff challenges LeBron James over Compton shooting

James has been constantly vocal about social injustice se past few months and has spoken about George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Jacob Blake among ors. He even started organization "More Than a Vote" with or black celebrities, hoping to help African-American people cast ir vote. James is currently at NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida, where he has continued to continue to support Black Lives Matters movement by wearing victim-related t-shirts, caps and more. Lakers will be starting ir Western Conference Finals series against Denver Nuggets on Friday (Saturday IST). 

(Im credits: AP)