Donald Trump calls LeBron James ‘a disgrace' after the NBA star allegedly disrespects the Star-Spangled Banner
US President Donald Trump accuses LeBron James of disrespecting the National Anthem before NBA games, takes shots at him during his speech while also posting about it on social media

Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James shoots during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in New York.
During the 76ers' first game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, LeBron was seen moving around on the sidelines and seemingly practicing his golf swing. He repeated the antics ahead of the second game today against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Arena in Philadelphia. During the National Anthem, the former Lakers star was spotted stretching, waving his arms around, and mimicking jump shots.
US President Donald Trump saw the video of James disrespecting the Star- Spangled Banner and called him during his speech. What did he say about the former Heat star?
“About LeBron James, did you see that deal? No. He’s doing during the National Anthem, he’s practicing his golf swing, you know? He’s practicing. I said, what the hell is that? It’s a big scandal kind of story. What’s that all about? I don’t understand it.”
“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 that American flag and all that our country stands for!”
The media informed LeBron about Trump’s remarks, asking the 4-time NBA champion how he felt about the US President taking shots at him. However, James kept his response brief, simply saying,
“It must be a slow news day in office.”
Some fans called LeBron “an embarrassment”, while others called out Trump for skewed priorities.
“LeBron James is an embarrassment to our country and should not be celebrated. He is a sleeze”.
Someone commented, Stay in the locker room if you don’t like the country that made you a billionaire”.
However, many came to James defense, arguing that the NBA star is free to do as he pleased. They accused Trump of fixating on inconsequential matters, with some suggesting that the President’s feelings had been hurt. They urged him to focus on bigger issues such as fixing the economy rather than taking shots at a Basketball star. Fans said,
“LeBron has the freedom to do what he wants. It’s what makes this country great.”
A user wrote, If worried about wrong shit is a person”.
Others stated, Poor little diaper Donny got his feelings hurt. Focus on ending the war, fixing the economy, while also working on your narcissistic and authoritarian personality and regime”.
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