LeBron James: NBA vs China heats up, as James distances himself

escalating rift between NBA and China took ar hit after Lakers' forward LeBron James added his thoughts on issue. James received massive heat for his comment stating Houston Rockets General Manr Daryl Morey was misinformed when he tweeted in support for freedom of Hong Kong. He has since distanced himself from issue stating he'd rar like to focus on game and upcoming season.

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Crux of issue

Houston Rockets' Morey supported protestors in Hong Kong on Twitter, which sparked a major controversy between NBA and China. NBA did try to remedy situation by stating Morey speaks only for him and t league but it seemed to t have much effect as Chinese media and authorities haven't taken news lightly. All 11 of NBA's official Chinese partners have suspended ties with league since. Chinese state-run broadcast network CCTV also opted out broadcasting both games between Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers this week.

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James, who was in China with Lakers, told  reporters he believed Morey was “misinformed” and “t educated” on topic. James' statement came off as even more off-putting, even as he tried to clarify he was just referring to Morey t being aware of ramifications of his tweet. It led to a furr backlash in both US and Hong Kong. Supporters in Hong Kong also burned his jersey to portray ir displeasure. Protestors also accused star of being guilty of double standards, stating 'black people's lives matter, so do lives of Hong Kong's people.'

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James later commented on matter again insisting he'd like to speak on it for last time as he would prefer to focus on game and upcoming season. He also added that he is hoping that rift between NBA and China will subside for good, reby distancing himself from issue.

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