Hong Kong (CNN) Basketball may have been invented by a Canadian and popularized by Americans, but it has more fans in China than anywhere else. An estimated 300 million people play basketball in China, according to figures cited in Chinese state media . Companies that don't toe the line on hot button issues like the status of Taiwan, Tibet or Hong Kong have suffered serious consequences. The Chinese fans lining up to see James may vehemently oppose the current anti-government protests in Hong Kong. Facing a further backlash in the US and Hong Kong over its statement meant to placate Chinese fans, it may be impossible for the NBA to thread the needle on this issue.

Source: CNN October 08, 2019 08:26 UTC