LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, has found himself at the center of a unique moment in international sports diplomacy, as his recent visit to China and widely circulated remarks have reignited conversations about basketball’s role as a bridge between cultures—especially amid ongoing tensions between the United States and China. The NBA’s much-anticipated return to China, after a five-year absence, has brought both excitement and scrutiny, with James’ words and actions under a particularly bright spotlight.
On September 8, 2025, Chinese state-run media published an article in The People’s Daily, credited to James, titled “Basketball is a Bridge Connecting Each Other.” In it, the 40-year-old NBA icon was quoted as saying, “basketball is not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us.” The timing was significant: James was in China ahead of two NBA preseason games set for October 10 and October 12 between the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, games that mark the NBA’s official return to the country since broadcasts were suspended in 2019.
But as quickly as the op-ed made headlines, questions about its authorship emerged. According to a representative for James, as reported by the Associated Press and CNN Sports, the comments attributed to him were made during media sessions and interviews, but he did not personally write the op-ed. The People’s Daily clarified at the bottom of the piece that it was “compiled from an interview by our reporter Wang Liang,” though the byline featured James’ Chinese name and described him as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Regardless of the editorial details, the sentiments expressed resonated with audiences on both sides of the Pacific.
James’ visit comes at a delicate time. The NBA’s relationship with China has been on the mend after a dramatic fallout in 2019, when then-Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. The tweet, though quickly deleted, led to a year-long ban on NBA broadcasts in China. The league’s initial response—expressing regret for offending “friends and fans in China”—drew criticism in the United States, with many accusing the NBA of prioritizing financial interests over free speech. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver eventually defended Morey’s right to free expression, but the damage was done. Chinese state-run television stopped airing NBA games, and only in 2022 did regular broadcasts resume.
Now, as the league seeks to rebuild its brand in China, the preseason games between the Suns and Nets are being seen as a major step forward. The last time NBA teams played in China was in 2019, during the very week that Morey’s tweet set off the geopolitical firestorm. Since then, the NBA has made a series of moves to reestablish goodwill, including player visits—Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox drew enormous crowds during their trip last year, with Curry returning for another visit just last month.
James’ own experience in China has been nothing short of remarkable. “It’s super humbling for me to be able to come here, so far away from home, and get the reception and the love,” James was quoted as saying by Xinhua, China’s official news agency, as he wrapped up his visit in Chengdu. “I just wanted to pour it back to the community and to this country.” In another statement, he added, “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.”
These comments, whether delivered in writing or in person, have struck a chord with fans and observers alike. For James, basketball is more than just a competition; it’s a vehicle for cultural exchange, mutual respect, and, perhaps, a bit of diplomacy. “It’s not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us,” he emphasized, reinforcing the idea that sports can transcend politics and bring people together even during periods of heightened tension.
The timing of James’ visit and the NBA’s return to China is impossible to ignore. Political relations between the U.S. and China remain tense, with recent events underscoring the fragility of the relationship. Former President Donald Trump recently fired off a warning to Chinese President Xi Jinping after high-profile meetings with Russian and North Korean leaders in Beijing, and ongoing trade disputes have led to threats of steep tariffs on both sides. While these diplomatic maneuvers play out on the world stage, the NBA’s presence in China offers a rare opportunity for positive engagement.
The NBA’s efforts to reestablish its place in China have not gone unnoticed. Basketball has long been one of the most popular sports in the country, and the league’s absence was felt by millions of fans. The upcoming preseason games in Macao are expected to draw huge audiences and serve as a litmus test for the league’s renewed relationship with Chinese authorities and the public. The anticipation is palpable, and James’ involvement only adds to the intrigue.
Interestingly, the publication of the op-ed in The People’s Daily is itself a rare occurrence. As the South China Morning Post observed, “It is rare for the mouthpiece of China’s ruling Communist Party to run articles carrying the byline of foreign sports stars. It is more common for international sporting heroes to connect with fans in China via Chinese social media.” The decision to feature James so prominently signals both his global stature and the importance Chinese officials place on the NBA’s return.
As the NBA prepares for its high-profile games in China, the league’s journey from controversy to cautious optimism continues. LeBron James’ words—however they were delivered—highlight the enduring power of sports to foster dialogue, understanding, and even reconciliation. With the world watching, the next chapter in the NBA-China relationship is about to unfold, and all eyes are on the court.
For now, the excitement is building, the fans are ready, and LeBron James stands at the center of it all, reminding everyone that sometimes, basketball really is bigger than the game itself.
