LeBron James writes op-ed as NBA aims to rebuild in China - ESPN

HONG KONG — NBA great LeBron James wrote a rare op-ed in Chinese state media this week, pointing to basketball as an avenue for diplomacy amid tensions with the U.S.

Writing in Monday's edition of the People's Daily newspaper, the 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star said «basketball is not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us.»

The piece was published as James was in China ahead of two NBA preseason games next month in Macao between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets. And it comes as leaders in China and the U.S. seek options to avert a potential trade showdown between the world's two biggest economies.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose steep tariffs on China, which has said it would respond with retaliatory levies of its own. Trump said last month that he would delay the tariffs for 90 days as negotiators from both countries work on a potential deal, which could ultimately lead to a summit later this year or early next year between the U.S. leader and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

As the standoff unfolds, James' comments caught the attention of the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, which reported: «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.»

Ahead of his 23rd season in the NBA, James said he was amazed by the reception he has received in China.

«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,» Xinhua, the official news agency, quoted James as saying as he wrapped