U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James disrespected the country as he appeared to continue his pregame routine during the national anthem.
On social media platform Truth Social on Thursday, Trump posted a clip showing James practicing a golf swing and a jump shot during the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. The 22-time All-Star, who is playing in an NBA-record 24th season, stood at the end of the Sixers’ line near the free-throw line.
Thanks for the submission!
In his post, Trump said he was not surprised by James’ actions and called for him to apologize to American heroes:
•
“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. 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!”
The video used by Trump also included a caption that read: “LeBron working on his golf swing pregame.” Several accounts have also shared the clip on X. The national anthem was performed by Grammy-nominated singer Avery Wilson.
Philadelphia opened the 2026-27 NBA season on Tuesday with a 106-100 win over the defending champion New York Knicks, who held their championship ring ceremony.
James played 34 minutes in his Sixers debut and finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on 5-for-13 shooting. Tyrese Maxey led the way with 28 points on 9-for-19 shooting. On the other side, Jalen Brunson scored 21 for the Knicks, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Sports analyst comments on LeBron James’ viral anthem gesture
In a clip from “The Linda Cohn Show” shared on X on Thursday, sports analyst Linda Cohn expressed her reaction to Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James’ viral gesture during the national anthem.
“What is LeBron James doing? He’s acting like a three-year-old,” Cohn said. “You know who does that? A three-year-old (who) can’t sit still. I’m in shock. … I admire him. He’ll go down in history as the greatest to ever play the game. But what is happening to him?
“LeBron, were you jealous of the attention the WNBA players were getting? … You are standing there playing childish games. … Here’s the thing, it’s the first game as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, aren’t you focused just a teensy bit on making a good impression and having a great game?”
Cohn mentioned that in the 2026 WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries have drawn criticism for leaving the court area during the playing of the national anthem in three consecutive games.
James and the Sixers held their home opener on Thursday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were playing their first game of the season.
Read more:
5 Biggest Winners and Losers From 2026-27 NBA Season Opener
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
Recent Comments