Rising together
- 12 September 2025
From his first year travelling to China to his 15th, LeBron James and Nike have used basketball as a cross-cultural exchange to unite players from across the world. During his final stop on the Forever King Tour, LeBron watched multiple teams face off in Chengdu, their squads separated by thousands of miles: the China Rise men's and women's teams, and the EYBL Cal Stars (women's) and Veritas Academy (men's) based in Los Angeles. Their love for the game might have been born across different geographic lines, but one constant in their personal stories has been LeBron himself, who cheered on the teams as they played.
"He's a role model, a standard-bearer. He inspires me to keep growing in basketball. His discipline and lifestyle embody what it means to be a professional athlete".
Cui Shanxiao, Rise Academy
The Rise boys' and girls' squads hear from Cui Yongxi of the men's Chinese national team during a warm-up session.
"There were so many meaningful parts: training with everyone these past three months, learning from different coaches of the athlete tours, improving through games. Thanks to Nike for this platform—it broadened our horizons and let us meet global stars".
Cui Shanxiao, Rise Academy
The Cal Stars women's team, which is Sabrina Ionescu's EYBL team (she visited Rise Academy in March), and the Veritas Academy men's team travelled from Los Angeles for a transcontinental practice game.
EYBL players said the game felt like every possession mattered. "That's the kind of basketball you live for", says Layla Dixon. "The Rise kids are unbelievably skilled and competitive".
"Having LeBron watching and cheering me on? That's surreal. It's a crazy mix of nerves and adrenaline—you want to go harder than you ever have, not just to impress him, but to show him that everything he's built with this programme is alive in you".
Layla Dixon, Cal Stars
"Having LeBron this close … it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I'm out of words. 'Excited' doesn't even cover it".
Su Xiaojiao, Rise Academy
Li Meng from the women's Chinese national team keeps the ball away from a defender.
"I often watched NBA games when I was a kid. The 2016 Finals, when he led the Cavs back from a 3–1 deficit against the Warriors, really stood out to me. That's when I admired his mentality and leadership. It wasn't my first time watching him, but it's the game I remember most".
Tian YaoYue, Rise Academy
"His character matters. Talent alone isn't enough; LeBron's also generous off the court and does great work for the community. That's something worth learning from".
Tian YaoYue, Rise Academy
"I started playing ball in elementary school. A classmate was wearing LeBron's sneakers—they looked so cool. I asked whose line it was, and he introduced me to LeBron. He was the first NBA player I ever knew".
Li Dongqi, Rise Academy
—Photo contribution from ZhengYi