PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the game against the Chicago Sky during Game One of the 2021 WNBA Finals on October 10, 2021 at Footprint in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James Calls for Brittney Griner to Be Brought Back to USA 'Quickly and Safely'

Paul KasabianJun 5, 2022

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has joined the chorus of voices in support of Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, who has been wrongfully detained by the Russian government for 108 days.

Russian officials claimed in February that they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in Griner's luggage at a Moscow airport.

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Griner's detention was extended by one month in mid-May in advance of a trial on drug possession charges in mid-June.

She was in Russia to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian Premier League, which she has done since 2014.

James tweeted his support a day after the Boston Celtics wore "We are BG" shirts during their NBA Finals practice and media availability in solidarity with Griner.

The Phoenix Suns also showed support for Griner during their playoff run, including point guard Chris Paul and head coach Monty Williams.

WNBA players and teams have already shown public support for Griner, including the Seattle Storm holding BG's Heart and Sole Shoe Drive, the WNBA placing floor decals on all home courts, the Washington Mystics making pleas to bring Griner home and the WNBPA creating a petition.