LeBron James Wears 'I Can't Breathe' T

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WASHINGTON -- Lebron James took the court before Monday night's game in Brooklyn wearing a t-shirt with the words 'I can't breathe,' showing solidarity with protesters nationwide speaking out against the police killing of Eric Garner.

Brooklyn Nets players Kevin Garnett, Deron Williams, Jarrett Jack and Alan Anderson, as well as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, also came out wearing the shirt in advance of the game, which was set to be attended by Britain's Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton, as well as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

According to the Akron Beacon Journal, James received his shirt from Jack, who used to play for the Cavaliers.

The shirt is the same one worn before Saturday night's game by Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, which James told the New York Daily News he admired.

' It was spectacular,' James said about Rose's shirt. 'I loved it. I'm looking for one.'

Garner died on July 17 after a police officer put him in a chokehold and pushed him to the ground to arrest him for selling untaxed cigarettes. Garner repeatedly said 'I can't breathe' in footage that was captured on video by a bystander. A grand jury, however, recently decided not to indict the police officer, sparking nationwide protests.

Silver said he respected the fact that Rose and other players wanted to voice their 'personal views on important issues' but added that his 'preference would be for players to abide by our oncourt attire rules.'

Several NFL players have also shown 'I can't breathe' messages in recent days.

Some photos of the Cavaliers and Nets players:

Lebron wearing 'I can't breathe' T-shirt before tonight's game http://ift.tt/1w96lsJ

- gifdsports (@gifdsports) December 9, 2014

Photo: LeBron James during warmups sporting the 'I Can't Breathe' t-shirt. #ICantBreathe http://ift.tt/1vxYn8E

- Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 9, 2014

Kyrie is wearing I CAN'T BREATHE shirt in warmups. Same as Rose's. http://ift.tt/1w96nAX

- alex (@steven_lebron) December 8, 2014

Kyrie Irving is wearing an 'I Can't Breathe' T-shirt before game vs Nets in Brooklyn. http://ift.tt/1zlcELR

- SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2014