LeBron James and other NBA stars call for stop to gun violence at 2016 ESPYS

NBA superstars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade took center stage at the start of the ESPYS to address the recent police shootings throughout the country.

During the cold open each of the athletes took a moment to speak on how the recent tragedies have called them to action and use their influence as global icons to bring attention to this problem.

"Let's use this moment as a call to action for all professional athletes," James said.

Anthony, who have spoken out on this issue before opened by saying, "The four of us are talking to our fellow athletes because we cannot ignore the realities of the current state of America."

Here is how people reacted around the country:

Anthony is scheduled to represent the U.S. in his fourth consecutive Olympic games this summer.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ESPN and this station.