LeBron James expresses concern over upsurge in usage of ‘N’ word on social media as Elon Musk takes over Twitter: “So many damn unfit people saying hate speech is free speech”

Throughout his career, LeBron James has proven that some things are bigger than basketball. It's been quite the transformation for the Akron native, who entered the league as one of the most highly touted prospects. From a freakishly athletic youngster to a leader and philanthropist, James' career has been one for the ages.

Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk continued to make headlines recently. Initially, the outspoken billionaire seemed to tease a buyout of Twitter. Shortly after, however, Musk pulled the trigger and began the acquisition of the popular social media app.

It took some time until the deal was finalized, but just this week Musk walked into Twitter HQ, with a sink in hand, putting everyone on notice.

While many felt as though his purchase of Twitter was a rather controversial one, others didn't seem to care who owned the app. Although LeBron James falls into the latter category, there is one particularly troubling thing about Musk's recent purchase of Twitter.

According to reports, the usage of the N-word has gone up considerably, something James felt he had to speak about.

This is a rather staggering development considering the fact that Musk vowed to remove all the bots from Twitter. In fact, his purchase of the company almost wasn't finalized because he accused Twitter of lying about just how many bot accounts were on the platform.

LeBron James and Elon Musk

LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors.

Although LeBron James and Elon Musk don't know each other personally, one situation almost linked them together forever. When LeBron James was initially making the move to LA after signing with the Lakers several seasons ago, Musk offered him his home.

Musk had already begun to downsize, leaving his whopping $62 million property available. At the time, LeBron James even went so far as to tour the property before deciding that he and his family would set up elsewhere.

The following season, everyone wondered whether it would be Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, or another player entirely to join James in LA. At the time, Elon Musk took to Twitter, saying that he was hopeful Kawhi Leonard would settle in LA to play alongside LeBron James.

The two situations remain the only two notable ones that tie the future Hall of Famer with the controversial business mogul. With Musk recently moving his family and Tesla operations to Texas, it seems as though he and James likely won't cross paths anytime soon.

Of course, considering the fact that James has earned a reputation as a philanthropist, Musk's takeover of Twitter could put the two at odds. If more and more reports emerge that hate speech is up on the platform, it could put James between a rock and a hard place.

With that being said, it's no secret that LeBron James' main focus right now is on helping the LA Lakers return to the NBA Finals. In addition, his I Promise school in Ohio has continued to receive his full attention. James recently appeared on the first episode of the "Let's Taco 'Bout It" podcast hosted by I Promise students.

Watch the clip below: