LeBron James says he believes Rockets GM Daryl Morey "wasn't educated" on the situation in China before he made a statement.
Protestors in Hong Kong cheered when a ball dropped into the basket after smashing into a photo of LeBron James' face that was placed above the hoop.
They also trampled on jerseys bearing his name and gathered in a semicircle to watch one burn.
James' standing among basketball fans in Hong Kong took a hit after his comments about the ongoing protests and free speech.
Anti-government protesters have gathered for months in Hong Kong, partly in defense of free speech, which James said can carry "a lot of negative.".
"People are angry," said James Lo, a web designer who runs a Hong Kong basketball fan page on Facebook.
Protesters said James' comments presented a double standard because he has used his clout to press for social causes in the United States. »