Though there is still tension from Daryl Morey's now-deleted tweet, China is not planning on cancelling the NBA's preseason matchups between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, according to a report from Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.
As of now, NBA preseason games in China between Nets and Lakers are still scheduled to be played, and while tension still exists, China not leaning toward cancelling games.
As of now. Obviously fluid.
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) October 9, 2019
During his trip to Tokyo with the Rockets, Morey sent out a tweet. In the caption, he wrote “Fight For Freedom” and “Stand With Hong Kong.” This tweet created quite a bit of online criticism, especially from Chinese citizens.
There have already been some ramifications from Morey's tweet, as one indoor arena in China has painted over all of its Rockets artwork, including the team's logo and several of its iconic players.
There was some fear that China would separate itself from the preseason, but it seems that won't be the case — for now. The Nets and Lakers are scheduled to play two games at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai (Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET). This is obviously a big deal, as LeBron James (and several other NBA stars) will be in town.
Morey has since backed off from his tweet. He sent out an apology after reconsidering his stance:
https://twitter.com/dmorey/status/1181000808399114240?s=20
https://twitter.com/dmorey/status/1181000809363857409?s=20
The NBA has enjoyed exponential growth in China over the years, thanks in large part to stars like Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin. Now, however, the league is scrambling to repair its relationship with the Asian nation. NBA commissioner Adam Silver will reportedly meet with Ming in an attempt to work towards a resolution.
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