NBA Rumors: Lakers vs. Nets Preseason In China Likely Scrapped Thanks To Rockets GM

Two games featuring the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets in China are on the verge of being scrapped. This is looming as the scenario after NBA commissioner Adam Silver's backed Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey regarding China. For those who may have missed it, this is about that support aired by Morey on Hong Kong protesters.

Silver's support for Morey has garnered the ire of China, including local broadcast stations. But the real issue here is that broadcasting the games may be only the start. Citing sources, USA Today reported that with or without coverage, the Lakers vs. Nets games will be canceled altogether.

The New York Times further backed this with the growing belief that the Chinese government will be canceling the games. Following that controversial tweet by Morey, sponsors, media outlets and the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) have severed ties with the Rockets. Silver may have just worsened the situation by backing the embattled Rockets general manager.

More importantly, the safety of the Lakers and Nets personnel is a concern. There is no telling what may happen should the games push through. The two teams were originally scheduled to tangle first at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Thursday. The second game is set for Saturday at the Shenzen Dayun Arena in Shenzen.

If for some reason the games go on, Spectrum Sportsnet and NBA TV will continue to air the games. But similar to the situation of the NBA teams' personnel and players, their safety is also a concern.

In a report from CBS Sports, Silver still plans to head to China and repair the current row. He plans to meet with Yao Ming of the CBA to repair the rift.

"I'm hoping together that Yao Ming and I can find accommodation," Silver said. "But he is extremely hot at the moment, and I understand it. There's no question that Daryl's tweet has hit what I would describe as a third-rail issue in China. I think Yao is extremely unsettled. I'm not quite sure he accepts how we are operating our business right now."

It is a development that has, unfortunately, cropped up, staining the relationship between China and the NBA. Silver's intent may be good but it may take more than one visit to repair broken ties.