The NBA commissioner has publicly criticized the People’s Daily newspaper for featuring LeBron James in an opinion article, raising concerns about the league’s political risks in China. The article, which was published in the Chinese Communist Party’s official newspaper, has sparked controversy, with the NBA leader viewing it as an example of the growing political perils the league may face in the country.
LeBron James, the star NBA player, visited Chengdu during his recent tour of China this year. The visit was part of a broader effort to strengthen NBA’s presence in the country, which has become an increasingly important market for the league. However, the inclusion of his name in the People’s Daily op-ed has raised questions about the potential for political tensions in the region.