LeBron James Turned an Act of Racism Into a Learning Experience for His Sons

Along with being the greatest basketball player on the planet, LeBron James is also a fantastic father. And last night, after vandals spray painted racial slurs on his house, he once again proved his otherworldly parenting skills.

When asked about the event, James emphasized that his family’s safety was the “most important” thing on his mind. The Cavaliers star acknowledged that being black in America is still an experience filled with racism and bigotry, but rather than let his anger get the best of him, James said the incident would be a teaching moment for his kids.

“I’m going to give them the blueprint of life, but at the end of the day, they’re going to have to walk their own course, as well,” James told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols. “I just hope they understand that at the end of the day, you have to always shed light on things that may seem like they’re at their darkest point.”

James could’ve responded in any number of ways to the ignorant, cruel attack. But his poised, wise words demonstrate that family is his number one priority. On the verge of his seventh straight NBA Finals appearance, he set aside all of that to step into his most important role as a dad. And while he obviously wants his family to feel safe, he also wants his kids to understand the prejudices and challenges they will face because of the color of their skin and how to rise above them. Sometimes terrible things happen; how we respond to them with our kids is what matters.