CCTV News Channel's "News Weekly" program broadcasts relevant content about Bai Yansong's exclusive interview with James.

Bai Yansong said: "It takes courage to say thank you for your speech for China six years ago." On October 4, 2019, Daryl Morey, then general manager of the Houston Rockets, posted a picture on Twitter with the slogans of radical demonstrators. The tweet immediately caused a stir in China.

The Chinese side (including the government, media, fans and NBA Chinese partners) expressed strong dissatisfaction and anger. Several media have suspended or terminated cooperation with the Rockets, and many sponsors have also announced the termination of sponsorships. Chinese fans launched a boycott of the NBA.

NBA President Xiao Hua was in a dilemma for his initial statement. On the one hand, he claimed to support Morey's "freedom of speech", and on the other hand, he said that this freedom may "have serious negative impact." This "migrant" attitude made both sides dissatisfied and further escalated the situation.

In almost all American sports circles and media, they emphasized "freedom of speech" and ignored the complexity of the incident and the harm caused to China. James stood up and expressed his unique views and spoke out for China.

James criticized Morey for "not understanding the situation but speaking out", and pointed out that the NBA's double standards and mishandling: James believes that the league is "double standards" in handling this matter. He gave an example that if a player made remarks similar to the one that caused the NBA to get into trouble in the United States, the league would definitely punish him immediately; but for Morey, the league chose to protect it in the name of "freedom of speech." He believes that the league has not protected the players, coaches and all NBA-related staff in China, putting them in an avoidable dilemma. At the same time, James also emphasized the economic and cultural influence. Morey's Twitter has hit hard on the cooperative relationship and economic achievements established by the NBA and China over the years. What he cares about is the actual harm this incident has brought to countless people who rely on the NBA to make a living, including players, staff and Chinese partners.

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James: Morey speaks without knowing the specific situation. Many people may be hurt.

In the political and media environment of the United States at that time, any question of "freedom of speech" would be regarded as a kind of "political incorrectness." James was severely criticized by American media, politicians and even some fans for this.

Bai Yansong thanked him for his "speaking for China" for being able to:

1. Stay rational and point out Morey's rash and irresponsible behavior.

2. Dare to stand up and make different voices in the hustle and bustle of "free speech" in the United States, criticizing the alliances and executives of their own country.

3. Recognize and respect China's sovereignty and the emotions of the Chinese people, and believe that you should not point fingers when you do not understand complex situations.

James' remarks greatly eased the negative emotions of Chinese fans towards the NBA at that time, and also made many people see the rationality, responsibility and courage of a world-class athlete. Therefore, this incident is widely viewed positively in China and has always been remembered by Chinese fans and media.