'Xi Jinping' jersey

Then Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping, center, receives a Los Angeles Lakers jersey signed by Kobe Bryant in front of David Beckham, back, and former Lakers star Magic Johnson when Xi was watching a National Basketball Association game in Los Angeles during his visit to the United States on Feb 17, 2012. (Xinhua)

Xi Jinping, vice-president at the time, wrapped up his US visit by watching a live NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, accompanied by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

He watched part of the fourth quarter of a regular season game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns before he was presented with a jersey with his name on it in front of NBA legend Magic Johnson and British and MLS soccer star David Beckham.

Xi voiced his enthusiasm for US basketball, saying that he sometimes watches NBA games on television.