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Danny Green says he hopes Lakers fans making death threats channel passion into voting

Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green said he and his fiancée have received death threats on social media after he missed a game-winning shot at the end of Game 5.

Green said he hopes fans aren’t taking basketball seriously enough to make threats and that they turn that passion to more important issues such as voting.

Green: Show passion for voting, injustice

Green discussed the threats with media on a video call Sunday morning.

“I hope they don’t take it that seriously,” Green said. “I hope that they’re that passionate about voting or injustice for these people who deserve justice — we’ll get some better change along the country. But it’s a basketball game at the end of the day and I know they’re just taking out their emotions and they need somebody to blame and it came down to that last play. Of course I’m the easy target.”

The Lakers trailed 109-108 with 10 seconds left in Game 5 against the Miami Heat on Friday night. They could have ended the series with a victory. Green took a wide-open 3-point attempt off a pass from LeBron James, but it fell well short. Green said Sunday morning he had more time than he realized and would “give anything to have that shot back again, trust me.” Los Angeles had another chance off the rebound, but couldn’t get a shot off and threw it out of bounds.

Heat star Jimmy Butler called it “a little bit of luck” that Green missed the shot, giving the Heat a chance to tie the series in Game 6 on Sunday night.

The Lakers and the NBA have spent the restarted season and playoffs focused on fighting in justice and promoting voting. Staples Center is one of the facilities being used as a voting precinct.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05:  Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the against the Oklahoma City Thunder game at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Danny Green said he hopes people making death threats channel that passion into voting. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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