LOS ANEGELES - Amid a rash of burglaries at the homes of celebrities in the Los Angeles area, LeBron James has hired armed guards to protect his property, according to a report. TMZ Sports reported Thursday that the Los Angeles Lakers star's security team includes off-duty police officers and that NBA also is assisting in security.
On Tuesday, police arrested three teenage males suspected in the burglaries at the homes of at least two dozen celebrities. Inside the home of one of the alleged burglars was a list believed to state the names of future targets, which included James as well as actors Matt Damon and Viola Davis, according to The Los Angeles Times. Among the burglary victims are Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig, and entertainers Rihanna and Christina Milian.
The homes of both Woods and Puig have been broken into more than once, during games. Puig reportedly has lost more than $170,000 worth of goods. Woods' home most recently was burglarized September 27 during the Rams' game against the Minnesota Vikings.
James relocated to Los Angeles from Ohio this summer when he signed a $154 million free agent contract with the Lakers. He owns a $23 million, 15,846-square foot mansion with eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms in the community of Brentwood.
Meanwhile, James' former teammate, Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith, has agreed to pay $600 to a fan whose cellphone he tossed into a New York City construction site this summer, his lawyer said.
Smith was given a ticket for misdemeanor criminal mischief after the incident in late July, which the fan said happened after he tried to take a picture with the Cavaliers player, who previously played for the New York Knicks.
Alex Spiro, Smith's lawyer, and a Manhattan prosecutor said Wednesday that an adjournment-in-contemplation-of-dismissal agreement should be finalized at the next court appearance. Spiro told reporters Smith will pay $600 in restitution. Smith, 32, is due in court November 15 for his arraignment, but he was not present Wednesday.