NBA superstar LeBron James is once again at the center of a global conversation, but this time, it’s not just about slam dunks or championship rings. The 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers icon has taken a bold step into the world of international diplomacy, using the universal language of basketball to bridge divides between the United States and China. In a rare and widely discussed op-ed published on September 8, 2025, in China’s state-run People’s Daily, James wrote, “Basketball is not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us.”
James’s op-ed, penned while he was in China ahead of two highly anticipated NBA pre-season games in Macao between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets, comes at a delicate moment. Tensions between the world’s two largest economies have been simmering, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening new tariffs and China vowing to respond in kind. Just last month, Trump announced a 90-day delay on the tariffs, giving negotiators time to seek common ground. With trade talks ongoing, the publication of James’s message could hardly be more timely.
“It’s super humbling for me to be able to come here, so far away from home, and get the reception and the love, I just wanted to pour it back to the community and to this country,” James told Xinhua, China’s official news agency, as he wrapped up his visit to Chengdu. His words echo the sentiment of his op-ed, which has been lauded as an example of sports diplomacy in action. According to the South China Morning Post, “It is rare for the mouthpiece of China’s ruling Communist Party to run articles carrying the byline of foreign sports stars.” Typically, international athletes connect with Chinese fans through social media, not through official state publications.
The NBA, for its part, is eager to rebuild its brand and relationships in China—a market that has long been vital to the league’s global ambitions. The upcoming games in Macao on October 10 and 12 mark more than five years since the NBA was effectively banned in China. The controversy began in 2019, when then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. The fallout was swift: NBA broadcasts were pulled from Chinese television, and the league found itself in the crosshairs of a geopolitical firestorm.
For nearly a year, no NBA games were shown in China. It wasn’t until 2022 that broadcasts resumed regularly, signaling a gradual thaw in relations. The road to normalization has been paved with goodwill gestures from both sides. NBA stars Stephen Curry and De’Aaron Fox visited China in 2024, drawing massive crowds and reigniting fan enthusiasm. Curry returned for another visit in August 2025, underscoring the league’s ongoing commitment to its Chinese supporters.
LeBron James’s recent visit has only amplified this momentum. On September 4, he attended a Nike event in Shanghai as part of his 2025 China Tour, where he was greeted by throngs of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the basketball legend. The warmth and excitement surrounding his visit were palpable, with James himself expressing amazement at the reception. “This is incredibly moving to me to be able to come here, so far from home, to receive such a reception and love; I simply wanted to give back to the community and this country,” he said, reflecting on the emotional impact of his journey.
The significance of James’s op-ed and his visit extends beyond the basketball court. In the context of ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, his message of unity through sport carries diplomatic weight. The NBA’s efforts to restore its image and access to the Chinese market are intertwined with broader questions about the role of culture and sport in international relations. As the league seeks to maintain its foothold in one of the world’s largest sports markets, it must also navigate the sensitivities of a complex geopolitical landscape.
James’s approach aligns with the NBA’s strategic vision for the region. By emphasizing basketball as a “bridge that connects us,” he highlights the potential for sport to foster dialogue and mutual understanding, even in the face of political disagreements. For the NBA, this is about more than just business—it’s about demonstrating respect for Chinese culture and the stories of its fans, while also preserving the league’s values of openness and inclusion.
The 2019 incident that led to the NBA’s temporary ban in China remains a cautionary tale. Morey’s tweet, though swiftly deleted, had a lasting impact. The league’s broadcasts vanished from Chinese airwaves, and relations soured. But since 2022, the NBA has worked diligently to repair the damage. High-profile player visits, community outreach, and now James’s high-profile op-ed have all contributed to a gradual return to normalcy.
As the countdown continues to the pre-season games in Macao, anticipation is building. The Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets will face off in what many hope will be a new chapter in NBA-China relations. For James, now entering his 23rd NBA season, the games represent more than just competition—they are a chance to showcase the power of basketball to unite people across borders.
James’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Media outlets around the world have picked up on the story, framing it as a case study in sports diplomacy. The NBA’s willingness to engage with China, even after years of tension, demonstrates the league’s belief in the unifying power of sport. As one commentator put it, “The appearance in media in such a format reinforces basketball’s role as a tool of soft power that can support constructive dialogue even amid political disagreements.”
Of course, challenges remain. The broader context of U.S.-China relations is still fraught, with trade negotiations ongoing and the specter of tariffs looming. Both governments are searching for ways to avoid escalation, and the role of cultural exchange—whether through basketball or other means—has never been more important.
For now, LeBron James stands as a symbol of what’s possible when athletes use their platforms for more than just sport. His message of connection, delivered in the pages of China’s most influential newspaper, resonates far beyond the basketball court. As the NBA prepares for its return to Chinese arenas, all eyes will be on Macao—and on the enduring power of sport to bring people together, even in the most challenging times.
