JR Smith, Jordan Clarkson Join Protests in L.A. After George Floyd's Death

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson and NBA free agent JR Smith were among those protesting over the death of George Floyd in Los Angeles on Saturday evening.

The two basketball stars are just the latest athletes to take to the streets as demonstrations continued to pop up around the country. Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown drove 15 hours from Massachusetts to be in Atlanta on Saturday to help coordinate peaceful protests.

Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and three of his colleagues were fired earlier this week after video emerged showing Chauvin placing his knee on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes after Floyd allegedly used a counterfeit bill to purchase cigarettes. Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, was declared dead at a hospital shortly after. Chauvin, a 44-year-old white man, has since been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Clarkson and Smith were both teammates with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Another former teammate of theirs in Cleveland, LeBron James, has also been vocal in demanding justice for Floyd.

Both Smith and James were seen riding bikes through Los Angeles earlier Saturday afternoon.

The protesting began in Minneapolis earlier this week. Among those demonstrating were Minnesota Timberwolves Josh Okogie and Karl-Anthony Towns. The two stood next to former NBA player Stephen Jackson, a longtime friend of Floyd, and offered support.

Around the country, mass gatherings have turned violent in recent days with protesters clashing with police and surrounding storefronts taking damage.

The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta was among the buildings to have its windows smashed Friday night.