President Trump has referred to LeBron James as a “total disgrace” after the NBA legend allegedly showed “disrespect” for the National Anthem. The controversy stems from the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 20. During the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Avery Wilson, James was observed practicing a golf swing and jump shot.
Following the event, the former president utilized his Truth Social platform to voice his disapproval. “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump wrote. “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 addressed the comments hours later, dismissing the criticism as a distraction. “It’s a slow news day at the office, you know,” James stated, per ESPN. “Slow news day in the office.”
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse also weighed in on the situation, framing the president's remarks as external noise. “I think that goes right in with other outside noise we’ve already had,” Nurse noted. “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.”
This incident marks the latest chapter in a long-standing public feud between the two figures. The pair previously clashed in 2017, when James famously referred to the president as a “bum.” At that time, James remarked, “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. He doesn’t understand that, and that’s what makes me more sick than anything.”