Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James says the lack of action on gun control in the United States is “ridiculous”, after Wednesday’s fatal shooting at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

Three people were killed and another is in a critical condition in hospital.

“The ability to get a gun, the ability to do these things over and over and there has been no change,” said James, at a news conference in the city.

“It makes no sense that we continue to lose innocent lives.”

James passed his condolences to family and friends of the victims before Thursday’s semi-final against the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA’s In-Season tournament, which is taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Police confirmed details of the shooting that occurred at the Las Vegas campus of the University of Nevada (UNLV) on Wednesday morning.

Officers struck and killed the suspect, described as a white former college professor in his 60s, in a shootout. One other victim remains in a critical condition at a local hospital, police said in a statement.

James, 38, has often spoken out about matters of politics and social justice in the US.

The 19-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion added: “It just goes back to what I said before about guns in America. We don’t want to keep dealing with this same story and same conversation every single time it happens. It just continues to happen.

“It makes no sense that we continue to lose innocent lives on campuses, in schools, at shopping markets, movie theatres. It’s just ridiculous. The fact we haven’t changed anything – it has actually become a lot easier to own a firearm. It’s stupid.”

The NBA is reportedly planning a moment of silence before Thursday’s semi-finals, which will also see the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Indiana Pacers.

“The NBA family is heartbroken by today’s senseless shooting at UNLV,” the league said in a statement. “We extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the entire Las Vegas community.”