LeBron James , on a tour of China this week, told reporters that "Basketball is not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us."

A story by The Associated Press on Tuesday incorrectly reported that James wrote an op-ed for Chinese state media, setting off a round of criticism from many in conservative media and from the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Sources told ESPN and other outlets that James talked with reporters at multiple stops and his comments were compiled from those group interviews.

The NBA is scheduled to play two preseason games next month in Macao between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets .

And it comes as leaders in China and the U.S. seek options to avert a potential trade showdown between the world's two biggest economies.

President Donald T

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