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Former NFL Side line reporter Michele Tafoya threw LeBron James after Los Angeles Lakers wrote a glowing essay about China in a state outlets Monday.
Tafoya appeared on Outkick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich” and gave her thoughts of James’ column. She said she was unsure if it was even real at first.
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Los Angeles Lakers -tip LeBron James (23) responds to a mistake called against him during the first half of Crypto.com Arena on January 3, 2025. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imag- Pictures)
“The first (thought) was, ok is this real? Is this ai? Is this legit? Is he this badly informed? … this is like American malpractice,” said Tafoya. “This is the guy who defends China to the hills. Why? Because all his sneakers are made there.”
Tafoya pointed out that James, as a majority of NBA players, has been silent on the situation of Uyhur Muslims in China. The US Department of Labor released a report in 2024 that Uyhur Muslims were forced to review “ideological indoctrination” as well as being forced to learn Mandarin.
China has consistently rejected allegations of human rights violations when it came to Ughurs.
“And he is unaware of human rights (questions) – the absolute atrocities going on in China and the fact that China would like to destroy most of the Western world and own the globe, otherwise LeBron loves that idea,” Tafoya added. “Maybe he is all. Maybe that’s what he wants to. For a guy who’s very vocal about slave history in the United States of America.
Los Angeles Lakers tip LeBron James (23) drives to the basket of New York Knicks Forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the third quarter of Madison Square Garden on February 1, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imag images)
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“He is definitely able to overlook the slave life that is still going on in China. I would never understand this, and I would very much like to sit down and interview him about it because I have a lot of pointed questions, but I don’t think he will take questions about this.”
James’ essay coincided with the end of “Forever King Tour”, where he visited Shanghai and Chengdu.
“The enthusiasm and kindness of Chinese friends touch me deeply and all I can do is give everything in every game to express my gratitude,” he wrote in the paper via Reuters. “I hope I can contribute to the development of Chinese basketball.”
South China Morning Post also noted that James thanked his Chinese fans for their reception of him.
Los Angeles Lakers -tip LeBron James (23) looks at in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on January 2, 2025. (Jayne Kamin-Concea/Imagn images)
“Every time I come here, my family and I are warmly welcomed. I am deeply moved by the hospitality and kindness of our Chinese friends. All I can do is give everything in every fight and express my gratitude to everyone,” he wrote.
