NBA's James Harden Gets into Trouble with Shanghai Traffic Police

By Ryan Gandolfo, June 30, 2019

1 0

NBA superstar James Harden concluded his China summer tour with a lane violation. Seriously, we can’t make this stuff up.

Photos surfaced on Chinese social media over the past two days of Harden and his entourage cruising the streets of Shanghai on electric motorbikes. Unfortunately, it appears the Houston Rocket’s starter committed a foul in the eyes of city traffic police by driving on the opposite side of the road and not wearing a helmet.

One particular photo shows a traffic cop seemingly reprimanding Harden in the middle of an intersection while he’s on the bike. 

eaaf2affly1g4i7mzspwej20c80azq3x.jpg
Image via @共青团中央/Weibo

While Harden is known to take an extra step (or five) on the hardwood, this traffic referee wasn’t having any of it. He was quick to acknowledge the traffic violation, taking to his official Weibo account and writing the following statement:

harden.JPG
Image via @JamesHarden/Weibo

The trending topic has received more than a million views and over 30,000 posts over the last two days.

Netizens showed support for the former NBA MVP, with many asking people to forgive the man for the traffic violation. Meanwhile, others had some fun at Harden’s expense.

harden-meme.jpg
Image via @Mark刘星佐/Weibo

Other NBA players also weighed in on the hot topic, with shooting guard Nick Young (also known as Swaggy P) reminding Harden of his clean record on the streets of Shanghai.

swag.JPG
Image via @尼克杨SwaggyP/Weibo

Harden wrapped up his China visit in Shanghai after visiting both Beijing and Guangzhou for various basketball-related events. In Guangzhou, the star’s famous facial hair appeared to be a theme, as young ballers were seen sporting their own mini-beards. 

beard.jpg
Image via @JamesHarden/Weibo

Although Harden is heading back stateside, China NBA fans can gear up for two NBA games in October when the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets come to the Middle Kingdom. After acquiring one of the league’s most dominant centers, Anthony Davis, in a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers are expected to bring some serious star power to the PRC this fall.

PHOTOS: Kobe Bryant Spotted in Shenzhen

[Cover image via @新闻晨报/Weibo]

more news

Worker Faces Police Action for Destroying ¥0.5 Banknote

Video shows a parking attendant in Shanghai refusing to accept and subsequently tearing a RMB50-cent banknote.

WATCH: Truck Almost Rammed Off Elevated Highway in Shanghai

The incident occurred on the Inner Ring Elevated Highway in the center of Shanghai.

Passenger with 56 Items of Luggage Seized by Guangzhou Customs

Guangzhou Customs officials seized 56 boxes of electronic devices weighing 1.3 tons.

Shenzhen to See Heavy Cross Border Traffic in Coming Days

Shenzhen's border ports are expected to see a significant increase in traffic.

WATCH: Bus Plunges into River Near Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

The driver was rescued and taken to hospital. No other passengers were on board at the time.

5 Dead & 13 Injured in Guangzhou Road Incident

Five people have been killed in a road traffic incident in Guangzhou.

Juneyao Air Expands Shanghai-Penang Route Amid Growing Demand

Shanghai-Penang Route Promotion by Juneyao Air Marks Milestone in China-Malaysia Aviation Ties

Juneyao Airlines Launches Its First Shanghai-Sydney Route Expanding into Oceania

Juneyao Airlines Debuts Shanghai-Sydney Route Connecting China and Australia with 4 weekly flights, soon increasing to daily, aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at Thats_Shanghai for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shanghai With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Shanghai!

Visit the archives