NBA great LeBron James wrote a rare op-ed in Chinese state media this week, pointing to basketball as an avenue for diplomacy amid tensions with the US.

L.A. Lakers F LeBron James has become the first NBA player to author a piece in China’s state-run People’s Daily newspaper, an unusual move suggesting the top-flight North American basketball league’s years-long row with Beijing could be coming to an end.

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.