The NBA made about as much from China as Trump made from Turkey.
And Hong Kong was about as useful to the NBA as the Kurds are to Trump.
Originally Posted by WTF
I've read through this thread multiple times and I guess I'm confused. What does LeBron and Harden appeasing China have anything to do with Trump? Is this one of those things where Trump haters see him everywhere and have to include him in every discussion?
Also, this is incorrect (Even though I know it was made in jest as a point). Access to the Chinese market is one of the most sought out things in the entertainment industry. It's why you have video game developers like Ubisoft removing slot machines and risque imagery from their game after the Chinese demanded it. It's why you have Hollywood producing sub-par movies as of late, because even if the Western audience doesn't like it, the Chinese market eats up anything Western. It's why you have Blizzard banning a professional gamer (And the announcers, who had nothing to do with it) for showing support of Hong Kong on a live stream. If these companies could access the Chinese market without going through their government, they would, but they can't so they do whatever it takes to appease the Chinese government. It's all about the money to them. That's why people have an issue with it. These companies, and specifically these players, are outspoken on social issues, but throw that aside when they have the chance to make more money.
On a funny note more along the topic, LeBron recently had the opportunity to design the story mode for NBA 2K20. In this game, he gives a speech about standing up for the little guy and people without voices. It's him. He helped write the script, he voice-acted the lines. Extremely ironic after the Chinese situation. Link to the video, if you're interested. The relevant part is 3 minutes in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcA16aHJhos