LeBron James is at the center of a firestorm — and this time, it’s not about basketball.
The NBA legend has found himself facing massive backlash after his name appeared on a glowing essay published by China’s state-run People’s Daily newspaper. The article, credited to James himself, praised the Chinese people and expressed admiration for China — but the twist? LeBron never actually wrote it, according to sources.
The essay marks what would be the first time an NBA player has “penned” something for a Communist Party-controlled outlet. It’s also reopened old wounds from 2019, when LeBron publicly slammed then-Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey for tweeting support of Hong Kong protesters. Now, critics are calling out what they say is a pattern of “kowtowing” to China.
Since the article dropped Monday, LeBron and his reps have remained silent. Fox News Digital reached out to his camp with pointed questions: Did he know about the article? Did he approve the byline? Was this a mistake — or a calculated move?
No response.
According to The Athletic, LeBron did not author the op-ed. Instead, unnamed sources say the piece was compiled using comments from group interviews he gave during his Nike-sponsored “Forever King Tour” in China. Three translators confirmed that People’s Daily labeled LeBron as the “author” but also mentioned he was interviewed and the content was edited by a government reporter.
So yes — the words may be LeBron’s. But not in the way readers assumed.
That hasn’t stopped critics from pouncing. Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya didn’t hold back during an appearance on OutKick.
“This is like American malpractice,” she said. “He defends China to the hills because all his sneakers are made there… He’s silent on Uyghur Muslims and human rights atrocities. But he speaks up about slavery in U.S. history?”
Tafoya wasn’t done.
“I’d love to sit down and ask him: Are you really this ignorant — or just that invested in keeping China happy?”
FOX Sports veteran Tim Brando also weighed in, calling LeBron’s alleged involvement “a sellout.”
“I stopped caring about the NBA long before this China stuff,” Brando said. “This only confirms it for me. I don’t watch, I don’t support, and I’ll never broadcast another NBA game.”
Despite the controversy, the message in the piece was filled with praise. LeBron was quoted as saying:
“The enthusiasm and kindness of Chinese friends deeply touch me, and all I can do is give my all in every game to express my gratitude. I hope I can contribute to the development of Chinese basketball.”
In another quote shared by South China Morning Post, LeBron added:
“Every time I come here, my family and I are warmly welcomed. I am deeply moved by the hospitality and friendliness of our Chinese friends.”
While the NBA may be looking to smooth over tensions with China — still bruised from the 2019 Hong Kong controversy — the question remains: Did LeBron knowingly allow his name to be used, or was he played by state-run media?
Until LeBron addresses it directly, the silence will only get louder.
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Not surprising for a Communist…
Thus pos fool has been a commie for years and will always be as long as they pay him
Boot his ass out of the US and send him to China where he belongs
He is a POS.