Remarks on Daryl Morey's Hong Kong protest tweet and NBA-China ties, 2019-2025
LeBron James drew criticism after he said in October 2019 that Houston Rockets executive Daryl Morey was "misinformed" and "not educated" when he tweeted support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests. US lawmakers, Hong Kong protesters and later NBA player Enes Kanter said, as reported, that he put business ties with China ahead of the human rights stance he takes at home.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Says Morey "wasn't educated on the situation" - BBC News and CNN reported that before a Lakers preseason game in Los Angeles, days after the team returned from games in China, James told reporters he believed Morey "wasn't educated on the situation at hand and he spoke." He added: "We do all have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you're not thinking about others." CNN said the comments threatened his reputation as a social justice advocate. LeBron James on NBA-China row: Morey tweet was 'misinformed'
- Clarifies on Twitter: "I'm not discussing the substance" - CNBC and CBS Los Angeles reported that James followed up on Twitter, writing: "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." In a second post he said nobody "stopped and considered what would happen" and that Morey "could have waited a week to send it." LeBron James says Houston Rockets' GM was not 'educated' on Hong Kong situation when he tweeted
- US senators criticize his comments - CNBC reported that Senator Rick Scott accused James of "putting profits over human rights" and Senator Ben Sasse said he was "parroting communist propaganda." CBS Los Angeles reported that Senator Josh Hawley urged James to visit Hong Kong to see the situation for himself. LeBron James says Houston Rockets' GM was not 'educated' on Hong Kong situation when he tweeted
- Hong Kong protesters trample and burn his jerseys - The Associated Press reported that about 200 protesters at a rally at Southorn Playground in Hong Kong trampled LeBron James jerseys, watched one burn and threw basketballs at a photo of him. Protesters quoted by AP said his comments showed a double standard; one said: "Black lives matter. Hong Kong lives also matter!" CNBC and the South China Morning Post also covered the rally. LeBron James no longer King James for Hong Kong protesters
- Enes Kanter calls it "Money over Morals for the 'King'" - Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports reported that Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter posted images of custom sneakers and wrote: "Money over Morals for the 'King'. Sad & disgusting how these athletes pretend they care about social justice. They really do 'shut up & dribble' when Big Boss says so." Coverage said Kanter linked the jab to James' 2019 Morey remarks and his Nike ties. Enes Kanter takes direct shot at 'money over morals' LeBron James in stand vs. Nike, China
- Says Kanter is "not someone I would give my energy to" - NBC Sports and USA Today reported that after the Lakers lost to the Celtics in Boston, James was asked about Kanter's comments and said: "He's definitely not someone I would give my energy to. He's trying to use my name to create an opportunity for himself." USA Today said one of Kanter's shoes that night referenced James' 2019 Morey comments. Kanter challenges LeBron over ties to Nike, China; LeBron responds he won't 'give his energy' to Kanter
- Praises China basketball to People's Daily as NBA mends ties - NBC News reported that James spoke to a group of reporters and was quoted in China's state-run People's Daily saying "Basketball is not just a sport. It's a bridge that connects us" and praising his "Chinese friends." NBC said the comments came as the NBA sought to mend ties with China, and noted that James had called Morey's 2019 support for the Hong Kong protests "misinformed." LeBron James takes to Chinese media to mend ties with vital market