LeBron James Was Put in a Tough Situation But Embarrassingly Botched His Response to China Issue

Following Rockets GM Daryl Morey's pro-Hong Kong protest tweets, the NBA and basically everyone involved with the league was put in an incredibly difficult situation.

An anti-Morey stance is viewed as un-American, a pro-Morey stance further damages the league's bottom line, and a neutral stance seems cowardly. LeBron James finally made his feelings known on the situation, and many were disappointed by him pretty much scolding Morey for his lack of knowledge on the subject.

Given his status in the league, James had to have something to say on this matter. While almost every response would be criticized somewhat, this is a downright bad job of reading the temperature in the room.

The league brings in about $500 million annually from China, and that's listed as basketball-related income that can affect player salaries and the salary cap. If James came and ripped China, he could inadvertently destroy the league's financial foundation.

However, LeBron opened himself up for a world of justifiable criticism when he not only belittled Morey and his opinion, but failed to even really take a stance or hold China at fault in any capacity. Sometimes, saying nothing is the best option.

This situation is only going to get messier as more and more players start to voice their opinion, but it's upsetting LeBron had this long to manufacture a response and came to bat with this.