Updated October 23, 2026, 8:48 a.m. ET
President Donald Trump criticized Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James on social media Thursday for what he perceived as a lack of respect for the country with his actions during the national anthem ahead of Tuesday’s season opener.
James was seen moving around, including moving his arms as if he were making a golf swing and imitating a basketball shot, before the Oct. 20 game at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump also brought up James at a rally Thursday in Iowa, calling the incident a “great scandal.”
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer — who appeared more stationary during the Oct. 22 anthem at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia — was asked about Trump’s comments after the 76ers’ thrilling victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James, a frequent Trump target over the years, laughed a little when asked what he thought of the president’s words. “It must have been a slow news day at the office, you know? A slow news day at the office,” James said.
The 76ers went 2-0 in James’ first season with the team.
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