National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar LeBron James wrote an op-ed in a Chinese newspaper, expressing his adulation over the friends he has made there and how the sport of basketball connects countless people around the world.

Why It Matters
James, a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the most decorated athletes in history, will soon begin his 23rd NBA season. In two-plus decades in the NBA, he has visited China 15 times and expressed positive memories and connections he forged.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has received criticism in the past for his views and statements regarding the Chinese Communist Party and remaining silent on certain issues. In 2019, following ex-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s post on X that supported a Hong Kong free from Chinese communism, James said Morey “wasn’t educated” on the situation with Hong Kong and China. It caused blowback from some who insinuated that James didn’t want to take a moral stand and instead cared about the potential dollars lost from Chinese fans and subsidiaries.

About a year later, James and other NBA players were told by some fans and individuals on social media to “move to China” after they decided to boycott playoff games to protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

James’ op-ed, titled Basketball Is a Bridge That Connects Us All, was published in Monday’s edition of the People’s Daily, the Chinese Communist Party’s official newspaper. The following is a Chinese-to-English translation of some of James’ words.

“I am deeply moved by the passion and friendliness of my Chinese friends, and I can only express my gratitude by giving my best in every game,” James wrote. “Soon, I will be starting the 23rd season of my professional carrier in the NBA. I’ve worn the No. 23 for most of my career. It’s a number that means a lot to me. Ahead of this special season, I am once again in China to start my next chapter with the fans here.”

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