Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash express outrage on Ferguson decision

On the heels of Monday’s grand jury decision in Ferguson, Mo., not to charge a white police officer in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown, an unarmed black man, two Lakers took to Twitter to express their outrage.

“The system enabled young black men to be killed behind the mask of law #Ferguson #tippingpoint #change,” tweeted Kobe Bryant.

Veteran guard Steve Nash, who is out for the season with back issues, also gave his thoughts.

“Disgusted by decision in [Ferguson]. Racism is learned. Accepted is systematic suffocation of education and opportunity. What are we saying?” Nash wrote on Twitter.

In response to a follower who wrote that Nash lost a fan and that, “Justice is a process,” the 40-year-old point guard answered, “Certainly is but the process is flawed and biased.”

Cleveland Cavaliers all-star LeBron James took to Instagram to post a rendering of Brown and Trayvon Martin, also killed in a controversial shooting.

James wrote, “As a society how do we do better and stop things like this happening time after time!! I’m so sorry to these families. Violence is not the answer people. Retaliation isn’t the solution as well. #PrayersUpToTheFamilies #WeHaveToDoBetter.”

Bryant addressed the topic after practice on Tuesday.

“Until [we] have a serious legal system conversation, it’s going to keep on happening,” said Bryant. “Accountability and responsibility, what is justifiable? What’s cause for legal action? What qualifies as the threshold?”

Bryant continued to say part of the solution is education, especially for “young, black youth.”

“It’s a big thing that’s missing in our community,” said Bryant.

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus