LeBron James did not author Chinese state op-ed

LeBron James has been linked to controversy overseas after reports claimed he authored an opinion piece in a Chinese state-run newspaper. According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, those claims are inaccurate.

Two sources close to James told The Athletic that the Los Angeles Lakers forward did not submit any editorial to People’s Daily. Instead, the publication republished remarks James made during group interviews in Shanghai and Chengdu.

The report noted that the quotes printed in Mandarin were accurate, but they were not exclusive to the outlet. The words were spoken by James during media sessions on his China trip, not submitted as an op-ed.

At the bottom of the People’s Daily article, translators told The Athletic that James was referred to as the “author.” However, the piece also stated he was interviewed and the material was edited by a reporter from the paper.

The story generated backlash in Hong Kong and the United States, where critics viewed the byline as a signal that James endorsed the Communist Party outlet. Sources close to him confirmed this was not the case.