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.



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:



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.



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.



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.



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.

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[Cover image via @新闻晨报/Weibo]