LeBron James was given a challenge Monday by Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to match the reward money for the gunman who ambushed and shot two deputies over the weekend.

"I want you to match that and double that reward," Villanueva told James in a KABC interview.

He said he "knew" James cared about law enforcement. The NBA star expressed a "very interesting statement" on his views on race relations and officer-involved shootings, said Villanueva.

LeBron James
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018.

Villanueva said the reward money climbed to $175,000 from a combination of donations.

The county contributed $100,000. The remaining $75,000 of the reward money was from two private individuals.

Villanueva also pointed out that James spoke about the impact of race relations and officer-involved shootings to the African-American community.

He said he appreciates James' honesty but stressed that "we need to appreciate that respect for life goes across all professions."

Which LeBron James Statement Was It?

It's not yet clear which statement the sheriff was referring to, CBS Los Angeles noted. But James publicly condemned some shootings involving African Americans like George Floyd and Jacob Blake, among others.

He has also been one of the most vocal professional athletes to speak on social issues that condemn police misconduct, said Fox News. When Blake was shot by offices in Wisconsin last month, James said Black people in America were "terrified" of police misconduct.

"I know people get tired of hearing me say it, but we are scared as Black people in America," he said after the Lakers' Game 4 win against the Portland Trail Blazers last month.

He also had an earlier tweet about his frustrations on police shootings.

"Someone, please tell me W-- is this???!!! Exactly another black man being targeted," James wrote. "This...is so wrong and so sad!! Feel so sorry for him, his family, and OUR PEOPLE!! We want JUSTICE."

There is still no response from James on the sheriff's challenge. It is also unclear if Villanueva is aware of the challenge.

"Let's see what he does," the sheriff said. He added that he was "very curious" to see what James' response would be.

The Shooting that Started the Challenge

The two Los Angeles deputies were shot at a Metro station in Compton on Saturday. They were both in their patrol vehicle when an unidentified man approached them and shot multiple times at the close range.

It happened just a short distance from the sheriff's station at Compton.

Surveillance footage showed that the shooter was male and wore dark clothing at the time. As the video was shot using a fisheye lens, the appearance of the shooter was not clear.

But the authorities know that he ran on foot away from the scene. An extended footage showed that the shooter turned a corner.

Another figure can be seen lingering on the sidewalk in the extended footage. It is not yet clear if the second person was involved in the shooting, but authorities are doing their best to find the gunman.

The deputies were brought to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California.

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