LeBron James slammed by NBA star over ‘disgusting’ China silence

An NBA star has exploded at LeBron James over his silence on issues in China, accusing the Laker of focusing on “money over morals”.

LeBron James has been slammed by Celtics star Enes Kanter over the former’s stance on China. Picture: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

In an explosive tweet, Boston Celtics star Enes Kanter has torched LeBron James over his lifetime deal with athletic wear giant Nike, claiming the basketball superstar prioritises “money over morals”.

Kanter, who grew up in Turkey, has been outspoken on a number of political issues, especially in China.

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The 29-year-old has been a strong advocate for the Free Tibet movement on social media as well as calling on China to end Uighur forced labour.

As a result of speaking out against the Chinese government, all Celtics games were stopped from airing in China.

Kanter slammed James for penning his endorsement deal with Nike, claiming the Lakers star and others pretend to care about social justice when their actions perhaps say otherwise.

“Money over morals for the ‘King’,” Kanter tweeted.

“Sad and disgusting how these athletes pretend they care about social justice.

“They really do ‘shut up and dribble’ when Big Boss says so.

“Did you educate yourself about the slave labour that made your shoes or is that not part of your research?”

By “Big Boss”, Kanter was referring to China — including a Chinese flag after the phrase.

Money over Morals for the “King” 👑

Sad & disgusting how these athletes pretend they care about social justice

They really do “shut up & dribble” when Big Boss 🇨🇳 says so

Did you educate yourself about the slave labor that made your shoes or is that not part of your research? pic.twitter.com/YUA8rGYeoZ

— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) November 18, 2021

James has previously remained coy on serious issues in China.

The 36-year-old controversially weighed in on the infamous tweet from former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, as the basketball executive posted in support of the Hong Kong protests in 2019.

James believed Morey “wasn’t educated on the situation at hand”, but it was a stance that drew plenty of criticism from those who felt the superstar was letting his wallet do the talking.

“I think when we all sit back and learn from the situation that happened, understand that what you could tweet or could say … we all talk about this freedom of speech, yes, we all do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others, and you’re only thinking about yourself,” James said at the time.

“I don’t want to get into a feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke. And so many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually. So just be careful what we tweet and what we say.”

Enes Kanter has spoken previously on matters in China. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

LeBron James caused controversy when he commented on former Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s tweet on the Hong Kong protests in 2019. Picture: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America/AFP

US Senator Josh Hawley slammed James for his take on Morey’s Hong Kong stance, tweeting: “Having just been in Hong Kong — on the streets & with the protesters — this kind of garbage is hard to take.

“LeBron, are YOU educated on ‘the situation’? Why don’t you go to Hong Kong? Why don’t you meet the people there risking their lives for their most basic liberties.

“This statement is unbelievable: ‘So many people could have been harmed’. By Daryl Morey daring to express sympathy for democracy? News flash: people ARE being harmed — shot, beaten, gassed — right now in Hong Kong. By China. By the Communist Party the NBA is so eager to appease.”

He may steer clear of criticising China but James has been a major advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

After a Lakers game in July last year, the basketballer used his post-match press conference to discuss the tragedies and express league-wide support for the victims’ families.

“First of all, I want to continue to shed light on justice for Breonna Taylor and to her family and everything that’s going on with that situation,” James said.

“Us as the NBA, and us as the players, and me as one of the leaders of this league, I want her family to know and I want the state of Kentucky to know that we feel for it and we want justice.

“That’s what it’s all about. What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong. And this is a wrong situation that’s going on in my eyes and in a lot of other eyes, not only here in America but I bet in the world as well.”