Tragic Shooting Near NBA In-Season Tournament Venue

LAS VEGAS — As the NBA In-Season Tournament final four approaches, the host city of Las Vegas is grappling with a devastating shooting incident that occurred just a few streets away from where the basketball games will take place.

Indiana Pacers Finish Practice Amidst Reports of Shooting

The Indiana Pacers had just concluded their practice session on Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena, situated on the Las Vegas Strip, when news broke about an active shooter situation near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. At the same time, the Los Angeles Lakers were waiting on their plane, ready to depart for Las Vegas.

By the time the Los Angeles Lakers, the final team in the In-Season Tournament, arrived at the arena, the suspect had already been killed in a confrontation with the police, as reported by The New York Times. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives, and another is in critical condition due to the shooter’s actions.

LeBron James Reacts to the Shooting

LeBron James, the superstar player for the Lakers and a vocal advocate for stricter gun control measures in the United States, was unaware of the fatalities when he addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon. Upon learning about the tragic loss of lives, he expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and friends. James then emphasized the need for change, stating, “We’re the only ones who keep dealing with this same story, the same conversation every single time it happens — and it just continues to happen.”

He further criticized the lack of progress in preventing such incidents, saying, “The ability to get a gun and ability to do these things over and over and over, and there’s been no change, is literally ridiculous. It makes no sense that we continue to lose innocent lives on campuses, in schools, shopping markets, movie theaters, and all that type of stuff. It’s just, it’s ridiculous, just ridiculous.”

NBA’s Response and Moment of Silence

The NBA released a statement expressing its heartbreak over the senseless shooting and extended its sincerest condolences to the victims’ families and the entire Las Vegas community. The league plans to observe a moment of silence before the semifinals on Thursday, according to a source familiar with the arrangements.

Strong Ties between NBA and UNLV

Although none of the In-Season Tournament games were scheduled to be held on the UNLV campus, the university holds significance for the NBA as it hosts the league’s annual Summer League. The Summer League serves as a platform for rookies and undrafted players to showcase their skills while established stars, coaches, and team officials attend. NBA fans are likely familiar with the Thomas Mack Center, the name of UNLV’s arena.

This tragic shooting incident occurred just over six years after the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, where 60 people lost their lives and hundreds were injured at a Las Vegas country music festival on October 1, 2017.

(Photo: Candice Ward / USA Today)