NBA: Lakers Star Thinks Rockets GM Spoke Too Soon On China Row

The rift between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and China remains. League Commissioner Adam Silver is trying to mend things while NBA personalities are divided on the whole row. Several coaches and players gave their take on the situation. The latest one to air his take is LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.

As far as James is concerned, Morey should have known better. He feels the Rockets owner should have educated himself on the whole issue before issuing any statement. As most know, Morey made a social media post supporting Hong Kong protesters. That sparked the whole mess and with no resolution in sight.

"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," said James in a report from TMZ Sports.

It would be best to note that James was merely airing his opinion. He is giving Morey the benefit of the doubt. The three-time NBA champion suggests that Morey may have been unaware of the situation. However, he believes that Morey should have thought of tweeting that opinion seeing how social media would react.

James was not spared from social media backlash for his comments on the whole thing. However, the 34-year-old defended what he said on Twitter to appease upset fans.

"My team and this league just went through a difficult week. I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it."

Despite the ongoing row, the Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets preseason games went on as scheduled. Brooklyn swept Los Angeles in the series. But the more pressing matter is the thumb injury to Anthony Davis. The Lakers open the regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 22 at the Staples Center. Tip-off is at 10:30 p.m. EDT.