The NBA will cancel their media availability for the rest of their China trip, noting their athletes have been put in a difficult position of commenting on international affairs that extend beyond their realm of expertise, considering the situation is still fluid. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets are still scheduled to play on Saturday in the second of two matchups in Shanghai, though much like in the first game, there will not be a pre- or post-game media availability for players, coaches, or executives, including commissioner Adam Silver.

“We have decided not to hold media availability for our teams for the remainder of our trip in China,” the NBA announced in a statement Friday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. “They have been placed into a complicated and unprecedented situation while abroad and we believe it would be unfair to ask them to address these matters in real time.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
NBA player Deandre Ayton in a LA Lakers jersey with the LA Lakers arena in the background, Deandre Ayton free agency contract buyout
Why Lakers must pursue Deandre Ayton in free agency after Blazers buyoutDavid Yapkowitz ·
Lakers' LeBron James shoots over Blazers' Deandre Ayton
Lakers fans already recruiting Deandre Ayton after buyoutJedd Pagaduan ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) signals to teammates during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
Bobby Marks details why Lakers’ LeBron James trade to Cavs won’t be easyRichard Pereira ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
NBA rumors: Kevin O’Connor suggests Cavs try LeBron James trade with LakersJaren Kawada ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) celebrates after scoring a three pointer agains the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Lakers rumors: Contenders lurking after Dorian Finney-Smith declines $15.4 million optionTroy Finnegan ·
LeBron James with the logos of every NBA team in the background.
Ranking 5 best LeBron James trade destinations after Rich Paul’s bombshell Lakers quotesBailey Bassett ·

Nets and Lakers players are free to comment on the situation without NBA retribution, according to a league spokesman. But this media policy was already discussed with players and representatives from the National Basketball Players Association, giving players no motivation to act against the league's wishes.

On Thursday, the league gave an apology to CNN reporter Christina Macfarlane, who was wrongfully interrupted by a Houston Rockets PR staffer and denied a question regarding players' feelings about their freedom of expression at the wake of the rift between the NBA and China.

This momentary edict will help calm the waters while the league looks for a resolution to this conflict while keeping the players away from the crossfire.