pull! The official media in James’s book said that he “hopes to contribute to Chinese basketball”?
Source: Bekekin (backchina.com)
The People’s Daily, the largest party media in the Communist Party of China, recently published an article about the famous post by LeBron James, a superstar of the American Vocational Basketball Team. James became the first NBA player to publish an article in Chinese official media. James also claimed in the article that he “I hope he can contribute to the development of Chinese basketball,” which aroused heated discussions from the outside world. However, many US media subsequently caught bags, which was “misleading” news. James himself never wrote a name to Chinese official media. The article in the People’s Daily was just a summary of James’ interviews with various media.
On the 8th of this month, the People’s Daily published an article titled “Basketball is a bridge connecting each other” on the official website and the graphic media, and specifically stated that the author is “LeBron James”. The article wrote in James’ first-person tone: “Soon, I will start the 23rd American Basketball (NBA) season of my career. I wear the No. 23 jersey most of my time, which is a meaningful number for me. Before this special season, I come to China again to start the next journey with the fans here.”
“This is the fifteenth time I have held a tour of China in my career. Every time I come here, my family and I are warmly welcomed. The warm and friendly nature of my Chinese friends touched me. What I can do is to give my all in every game and express my gratitude to everyone. Basketball is not only a sport, but also a bridge connecting each other. Love flows in our hearts. At an event 13 years ago, I had a brief exchange with Chinese college player Niu Ziwei. Now, she has become a teacher and a mother of two children. This time I came to China, and I felt deeply honored to meet her and her family. I also felt the responsibility of promoting sports communication. I also have 3 children. I know that basketball can inspire generations to pursue my dreams. Seeing that there are so many young people who love basketball in China, I hope I can also contribute to the development of Chinese basketball.”
“The basketball atmosphere in China has always been a surprise. There are many well-known basketball players here, and many outstanding young players have emerged. In Chengdu, Sichuan, I participated in the training course of the Chinese National Youth Team. I shared my experience with them: take every training class seriously. The more you practice, the more calm the game is. Many young people ask me how to play basketball? I think there are three key factors – determination, dedication and love. If you love basketball, make up your mind and devote yourself to it, you will definitely gain something. I love basketball, and basketball also motivates me. Although I am almost 41 years old, age is just a number. As long as I am still playing basketball and can play games, I will try my best to do better. I am very strict with myself, and I hope to continue to create new achievements and strive to be the best player.”
After this article was exposed, it sparked heated discussions, and many Chinese media also promoted that it was written by James himself. The young Chinese pinks were particularly excited by James’s words, “I hope he can also contribute to the development of Chinese basketball.” Some foreign media also said that James is the first NBA player to publish an article in the People’s Daily. This article is of great significance and symbolizes that the relationship between the NBA and China is close to complete restoration. China is still the most important market for the NBA outside North America.
The reason why relevant media say this is because the Hong Kong anti-extradition movement broke out in 2019. Daryl Morey, then general manager of the NBA Houston Rockets, posted a message to support demonstrators. After that, China’s state-owned TV station CCTV stopped broadcasting NBA events for 28 months, and peripheral products were also removed from the shelves. NBA President Adam Silver revealed in 2022 that the league’s losses reached hundreds of millions of dollars. Over the past three years, CCTV has gradually returned to its previous scale of broadcasting NBA games, and Chinese companies have also signed cooperation agreements with the league again.
However, US media such as ESPN, CNN, and NYTimes The Athletic then published reports, revealing the “publication” that China attempted to mislead the outside world. James never submitted a letter to the People’s Daily, and the article was not written by James. The content of the article was made by James at the media meeting during a tour of China a few days ago, and what he said in an interview with a reporter. To put it bluntly, the People’s Daily reporter sorted out James’s speeches in the interview, suspected that he attempted to cause James to submit a letter to himself.
On September 10, according to the latest article by US media The Athletic, James never contributed to the People’s Daily, and this article was not written by James. https://t.co/mFlCKpIqF0 pic.twitter.com/yPtsA2MRR1
— Teacher Li is not your teacher (@whyyoutouzhele) September 10, 2025
People’s Daily recently published an article about “Emperor James” who published a famous book. (Photo taken from the official website of the People’s Daily)
