NBA star LeBron James is drawing scrutiny after penning an op-ed for China’s state-run People’s Daily, praising basketball as a “bridge that connects us” amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions.
The rare move comes as President Donald Trump pressures Beijing with tariff threats while seeking a trade deal with President Xi Jinping.
LeBron James published an article titled “Basketball is a Bridge Connecting Each Other” in Monday’s People’s Daily newspaper.
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) September 8, 2025
“Soon, I will embark on the 23rd season of my NBA career. I have worn the number 23 jersey for most of my career, and it holds profound significance for… pic.twitter.com/yH8lLOJE0s
James’ article coincided with his visit to China ahead of NBA preseason games in Macao next month. His message of “basketball diplomacy” was quickly highlighted by Chinese state outlets, with Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post noting how unusual it is for the Communist Party’s paper to feature foreign celebrities.
So @KingJames “wrote” an article in a communist newspaper sponsored by the Chinese government. Holy shit. This comes on the heels of James ripping Daryl Morey several years ago for supporting democracy & free speech in Hong Kong. Shut up and dribble for communists, bitch boy.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 9, 2025
The NBA has struggled to repair ties in China since 2019, when former Rockets executive Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters, sparking a years-long blackout of NBA broadcasts.
While stars like Stephen Curry have since helped the league’s return, James’ outreach underscores the NBA’s continued push to regain China’s favor.
“Basketball is not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us.”
— CNN Sports (@cnnsport) September 9, 2025
LeBron James writes op-ed for Chinese state media as NBA aims to rebuild in China. https://t.co/so1jSf9fiE
