LeBron James Pens Essay in China’s People’s Daily Years After 2019 Controversy

LeBron James wrote an essay published Monday in China’s state-run People’s Daily thanking Chinese fans and expressing hope for contributing to the development of basketball in China, nearly six years after a tweet by then–Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey triggered a diplomatic and commercial dispute between the NBA and China.

James’ piece, released as he wrapped up the Forever King Tour with stops in Shanghai and Chengdu, said the “enthusiasm and kindness of Chinese friends deeply touch me, and all I can do is give my all in every game to express my gratitude,” and added, “I hope I can contribute to the development of Chinese basketball,” according to Reuters.

The Forever King Tour coincided with the 20th anniversary of James’ Asia tours with Nike and followed promotional visits by NBA teams to China in previous years. The 2019 episode began when Morey posted on the social platform then known as Twitter: “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.” The post, and Morey’s initial refusal to delete it, prompted a sharp backlash from Chinese authorities and broadcasters; some networks stopped airing NBA games and commercial relationships were strained.

Morey later deleted the tweet and issued a statement saying, in part, “I did not intend my tweet to cause any offense to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China. I was merely voicing one thought, based on one interpretation, of one complicated event.” At the time, James was reported by ESPN to have “raged” to players about the tweet and later said that people who are “misinformed or not educated about something” should not speak on geopolitical issues after the Lakers returned to the United States.

James’ appearance in People’s Daily was noted by Chinese and international outlets as a sign of the warmer tone between the NBA and China in recent years. Chinese broadcasters and streaming services that curtailed NBA coverage in 2019 have gradually restored game broadcasts and partnerships, and NBA officials and teams have resumed promotional activities in the country.

The essay and the tour represent part of a broader effort by league figures and franchises to support international fan engagement while navigating sensitive political contexts. James’ comments in the state-run paper focused on gratitude toward fans and a desire to foster the sport’s growth in China rather than on the political disputes that strained relations six years earlier.