LeBron James’ China comments dragged up in Donald Trump Goodyear boycott row

‘We don’t bend, and we don’t break for nobody,’ LA Lakers star tells reporters of hometown of Akron as US President calls for Goodyear boycott

‘Except the Chinese Communist Party,’ tweets Fox News presenter over player’s response to Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey furore

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates a play during the first half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Photo: AP

Published: 2:06pm, 23 Aug 2020Updated: 2:06pm, 23 Aug 2020

NBA star LeBron James has seen his comments made about Daryl Morey last October dragged up once more after becoming involved in a row with US President Donald Trump over Goodyear.

James spoke to reporters on Thursday about the Ohio-based tyre giant, who are based in his hometown of Akron, and the president’s call to boycott them.

“We don’t bend, and we don’t break for nobody. So we’re not worried about that,” James said. “Not only has Goodyear been great for my city, for the history of my city, but the country and what they represented. It’s an unbelievable brand, unbelievable history. We stand strong and always unite, especially my city.”

The comments were picked up by Fox News presenter Will Cain who tweeted “Except the Chinese Communist Party.” This was a reference to James’ comments last October in the immediate aftermath of Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeting his support for Hong Kong’s anti-government protesters.

James and his Los Angeles Lakers teammates were in China during the fallout from Morey’s tweet, where they were to play two exhibition games against the Brooklyn Nets. Media and fan events were cancelled as the games looked in jeopardy before eventually going ahead, albeit not shown on state broadcaster CCTV.

“Yes, we do have freedom of speech,” James said after returning to the US from China. “But at times, there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you're not thinking about others when you only think about yourself. I don't want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn't educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke.

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