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King James Lands In POTUS’ Crosshairs After Anthem Uproar

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LeBron James
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President Donald Trump has renewed his feud with LeBron James, accusing the NBA superstar of disrespecting America during the national anthem as Vice President JD Vance takes aim at WNBA players over a separate anthem controversy.

Trump blasted James Thursday after video surfaced of the Philadelphia 76ers star stretching and making practice shooting motions while his teammates stood for the anthem ahead of Tuesday’s game against the defending NBA champions.

The four-time NBA champion, who recently joined Philadelphia after playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, was also seen moving his arms in a routine resembling a golf swing, an activity he has taken an increasing interest in.

“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE. LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!”

James brushed off the president’s criticism Thursday night, offering a brief response rather than addressing the accusation directly.

“It’s a slow news day at the office, you know,” James told reporters. “Slow news day in the office.”

The confrontation adds another chapter to a rivalry that has stretched across Trump’s political career, with both men previously exchanging public criticism over politics, patriotism and basketball.

Trump has repeatedly compared James unfavorably with NBA legend Michael Jordan, including earlier this year when he questioned the 76ers star’s feelings toward him.

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“Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine, play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said when asked to choose between the basketball icons.

“And I think LeBron is, maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump, I don’t know. But I only like people that like me. So, I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”

The president made a similar accusation in July after James signed with Philadelphia, again suggesting the NBA star might dislike him personally.

Their political disagreements date back to Trump’s first administration. In 2017, James publicly challenged the president’s leadership while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

During one game, James wore mismatched black-and-white sneakers featuring the word “equality” in gold lettering.

“This is a beautiful country, and we’re never going to let one person dictate how beautiful and how powerful we are,” James told reporters afterward.

He also criticized Trump after the president withdrew a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors that year.

“He doesn’t understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the president of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement,” James said.

“He doesn’t understand that, and that’s what makes me more sick than anything.”

James’ conduct during the anthem has drawn attention on previous occasions.

In October 2019, video circulated of the basketball star warming up during the anthem. He also faced criticism in 2023 after arriving at his seat during the anthem at a USC basketball game involving his son, Bronny James.

During the Lakers’ Christmas Day game last year, James performed a similar golf-swing routine while the anthem played.

His latest encounter with Trump comes as the 76ers attempt to manage expectations surrounding their revamped lineup.

Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse addressed the president’s remarks ahead of Thursday’s home opener, characterizing them as another distraction the team would have to manage.

“I think that goes right in with other outside noise we’ve already had,” Nurse said.

“I keep saying the same thing. All I really care about is getting to the practice floor, getting them in the film room, getting them to the game floor. The focus that they’ve had and the intent and all the stuff like that has been outstanding.”

The anthem has also become a flashpoint in the WNBA, where players from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court before the anthem during the first two games of the league’s Finals.

The decision prompted criticism from former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones, who called for players involved to lose their eligibility to represent the United States in Olympic competition.

Jones argued that those players “should be ineligible to play on the U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team.”

Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele also weighed in, accusing players, coaches and WNBA leadership of disrespecting the country.

“So are they free to express themselves the way they want? Absolutely. But there’s a cost to it,” Steele said in a social media video.

“And I just hope they realize that this constant lack of respect is going to turn fans away forever. They’re not going to come back, and it’s going to be their own fault.”

Vance joined the criticism Wednesday during an interview with Raymond Arroyo, condemning the WNBA players’ actions and questioning their decision to leave the court.

“I think it’s disgraceful,” the vice president said. “I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large.”

Vance argued that the players should appreciate the opportunities available to them in the United States, citing their careers and financial circumstances.

“I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs that they have,” he continued.

“They have a lot to be grateful to the United States for, and I think that if they had a bit more of a spirit of gratitude, they’d be happier people, and they wouldn’t offend so many people as well.”

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