Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has come under fire for his comments relating to Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey’s tweet in support of pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong. James’ response to Morey’s support of the protestors in Hong Kong came in part due to the fact that the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets were in mainland China at the time of Morey’s tweet.
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and the NBA just backed down over a tweet which said “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.” because Communist China got pissed off. pic.twitter.com/tDT8YwsdDF
— Jerry Dunleavy (@JerryDunleavy) October 7, 2019
Lakers’ LeBron James on NBA’s China controversy: “I don’t want to get into a … feud with Daryl Morey but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke.” pic.twitter.com/KKrMNU0dKR
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 15, 2019
Following Morey’s tweet, China canceled a scheduled G-League game involving the Houston Rockets affiliate Rio Grande Valley as well as canceling media availability for the Lakers-Nets game that was taking place on Chinese soil. LeBron James has since gone on to attempt to further clarify his comment to represent that he was more targeting the timing of Morey’s tweet than the substance of it.
Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk About that.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
My team and this league just went through a difficult week. I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
James, under increased media spotlight following his move to Los Angeles last offseason as well as his subsequent pairing with all-star forward Anthony Davis. Since making his comments, LeBron has faced the criticism that many feel he is prioritizing the profits that can be gained from the Chinese fanbase over the human rights issues ongoing in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong protestors burn LeBron James Jerseys.
Never side with the communists. Never! pic.twitter.com/cayGvE1dDT
— Hotep Jesus (@HotepJesus) October 15, 2019
If you heard LeBron James’ comments on Daryl Morey last night you understand that through LeBron’s eyes this is not a moral issue or a constitutional one. It’s about the money. https://t.co/6h6rLE3UkN
— Bill Oram (@billoram) October 15, 2019
The ongoing controversy between the Chinese Government and figures within the NBA coincides with the approaching of the NBA regular season. The Lakers are playing their in-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22nd to open their season, as the situation with Morey and China is one that James and the league are surely eager to put behind them.
