Muhammad Ali's ex-wife -- who was married to him during his Vietnam War protest -- says she wishes LeBron James would have stood up for the people of Hong Kong, because that's what Muhammad would have done.
TMZ Sports spoke with Khalilah Ali -- who was married to the boxer from 1967 to 1976 -- and says she was his adviser for his biggest protest ... refusing to fight in the Vietnam war.
Khalilah says she's aware of China's issues with the NBA -- and the pro-Hong Kong tweet sent by Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey -- but says she'll ALWAYS support people "who are standing up for their rights.