LeBron James Caught in China Op-Ed Controversy as NBA Season Looms
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James finds himself embroiled in a fresh controversy over an article in Chinese state media that bore his name. The piece, praising basketball’s role in bridging U.S.-China ties, surfaced just days before the 2025-26 NBA season tips off, reigniting debates about James’ relationship with China amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Op-Ed That Sparked the Firestorm
On September 8, 2025, China’s People’s Daily—the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party—published an article titled “Basketball is a Bridge Connecting Each Other,” credited to James. In it, the 40-year-old Lakers forward extolled the “enthusiasm and kindness” of Chinese fans, calling basketball “not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us” and emphasizing its power to inspire generations.
The essay appeared during James’ “Forever King Tour” in China, his first since 2019, where he promoted Nike apparel in cities like Shanghai and Chengdu. James, who has visited the country 15 times, highlighted personal connections and the sport’s unifying potential, wrapping up with gratitude for the warm reception.
This marked a rare instance of an NBA player contributing to state-run media, signaling a thaw in NBA-China relations after years of strain. The league’s first preseason games in China since 2019—featuring the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets in Macao on October 10 and 12—loomed large in the background.
The Twist: James Didn’t Actually Write It
The story took a turn on September 9 when The Associated Press retracted its initial report, confirming James did not author the piece. Sources close to James told The Athletic and ESPN that the content stemmed from group interviews during his tour, compiled and published without his direct involvement or approval for the byline. A representative clarified: “He made the comments attributed to him during media sessions but that he did not write the op-ed.”
James has remained silent on the matter as of September 10, neither confirming nor denying details, which has only fueled the backlash. The People’s Daily credited a reporter for the compilation, but the byline under James’ Chinese name led to widespread assumptions of endorsement.
Echoes of the 2019 NBA-China Rift
This incident revives painful memories of the 2019 controversy, when Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters, prompting China to blacklist NBA broadcasts and merchandise. James, fresh from a Lakers preseason trip to Shanghai, criticized Morey as “not educated on the situation,” drawing accusations of prioritizing NBA profits—estimated at $4 billion from China—over free speech.
Critics resurfaced old grievances, labeling James the “King of Chinese Money” and questioning his silence on issues like Uyghur persecution or Tibet. The op-ed’s diplomatic tone, even if unattributed, echoed James’ past comments, amplifying perceptions of him cozying up to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Public Backlash and Expert Takes
Social media erupted with condemnation. On X, users branded James a “sellout” and “traitor,” linking the article to his Nike deal and NBA interests. One post read: “LeBron sellout James!” while another called it “unsettling that he would sell out his own country JUST to make more money in China.” Hashtags like #LeBronChina trended, with memes juxtaposing the essay against 2019 protests.
Former NFL reporter Michele Tafoya ripped the piece as “American malpractice,” questioning James’ motives on OutKick. Hudson Institute fellow Michael Sobolik highlighted James’ lack of comment on human rights abuses. In Hong Kong, activists decried it as propaganda, per the South China Morning Post.
Experts see it as a misstep in NBA’s China revival. Reuters noted the league’s $4 billion market at stake, with games returning to CCTV after a 28-month blackout. Sports Business Journal called it a signal of repaired ties but warned of backlash risks. NBA insiders emphasize James’ comments were genuine from interviews, not scripted propaganda.
Impact on NBA Fans, U.S.-China Ties, and Sports Culture
For U.S. basketball fans, this controversy distracts from James’ milestone 23rd season and the Lakers’ title hopes, potentially eroding his “woke” image on social justice while highlighting perceived hypocrisy on global issues. It underscores the NBA’s delicate balance: China boasts 300 million fans, but U.S. audiences demand accountability amid trade wars and tariffs threatened by President Trump.
Economically, the NBA’s China revenue—key to broadcasting and merchandising—hangs in the balance. Preseason games in Macao could face boycotts if tensions escalate, affecting sponsorships like Nike’s. Politically, it fuels debates on athlete activism: James champions Black Lives Matter but stays mum on authoritarian regimes, drawing parallels to broader U.S.-China frictions over human rights and tech.
In sports, it spotlights “basketball diplomacy,” with events like NBA House in Macao (October 8-12) featuring legends like Shaquille O’Neal. For everyday Americans, it questions celebrity influence in geopolitics, especially as tariffs loom.
Conclusion: A Preseason Storm with Lasting Echoes
LeBron James’ unintended byline in People’s Daily has thrust him back into the China spotlight, blending praise for cultural bridges with accusations of complicity. Though he didn’t write it, his silence amplifies the uproar, echoing 2019’s fallout.
As the NBA season opens October 22, expect scrutiny during Lakers games and Macao exhibitions. James may address it soon, but this episode reminds stars of the global stage’s perils—where a misinterpreted interview can reignite old flames. For the league, it’s a test of mending ties without alienating fans at home.