Overview
- Video from the season opener showed LeBron James doing brief warm-up movements during the U.S. national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the New York Knicks.
- President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social calling James a “total disgrace,” demanded an apology, and repeated the criticism at a campaign event.
- LeBron dismissed the backlash with a short, calm reply and said the attention suggested a slow news day.
- 76ers coach Nick Nurse called outside comments “distractions” that the team must ignore while the club focuses on preparation and game work.
- The episode took place during LeBron’s debut for the 76ers in a 106-100 win and fits a pattern of past public clashes between Trump and high-profile athletes that can shift attention from sports to political debate.