Overview
- Broadcast footage from Christmas Day showed James moving in a way that appeared to mimic a golf swing during the national anthem, and ESPN’s post of the moment rapidly circulated online.
- Comments on social platforms ranged from accusations of disrespect toward the anthem and flag to defenses that framed the movement as a normal pregame warm-up.
- James has not publicly addressed the criticism, and there were no formal statements from the Lakers or ESPN beyond the posted clip.
- Coverage linked the moment to James’ growing interest in golf, which he has described as a new obsession, with peers like Jayson Tatum voicing support and Stephen Curry previously poking fun at his swing.
- The Lakers lost to the Rockets 119–96 on Christmas, with James recording 18 points, five assists, and two rebounds.