LeBron James writes of basketball as US-China bridge in state media article

Basketball can be a “connecting bridge” between China and the United States, NBA star LeBron James said in an article in the People’s Daily on Monday.

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 usual for international sporting heroes to connect with fans in China via Chinese social media, regularly posting content and comments.

“Basketball is not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us. The passion flows in our hearts,” said the article written by James, which appeared in Chinese on the sports page of Monday’s People’s Daily, with credit also given to a newspaper reporter for interviewing him and compiling the article.

On Friday, James wrapped up his 2025 China tour covering Shanghai and Chengdu, his 15th trip to China during his professional career, hailing the energy of China’s young players.

In the article, James said that during the visit he had reunited with former Chinese college player Niu Ziwei, whom he first met 13 years ago. Niu is now a teacher and the mother of two children.

James wrote: “I also have three children and I know that basketball can inspire generations of people to pursue their dreams. Seeing so many young basketball lovers in China, I hope I can also contribute to the development of Chinese basketball”.

The internationally revered sport star’s latest China trip came after the National Basketball Association signed a multi-year deal in December to play pre-season games in Macau. Under the agreement, the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play two pre-season games on October 10 and 12 at the Venetian Arena in Macau.

The NBA announced on Monday that basketball legends Tim Hardaway Sr, Stephon Marbury, Shawn Marion, Shaquille O’Neal, Mitch Richmond and Deron Williams would headline the first-ever NBA House event to be held in China, also hosted in Macau, from October 8 to 12.

  

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