LeBron James responds to Donald Trump as NBA national anthem ‘scandal’ divides fans

The Philadelphia 76ers overcoming a 29-point deficit versus LeBron James’ former team should have been the biggest NBA story of the night.

But not when the 41-year-old King of basketball is taking on the President of the United States of America again.

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LeBron James responds to Donald Trump as NBA national anthem ‘scandal’ divides fans
LeBron James has responded after being called out by US President Donald Trump following a national anthem ‘scandal.’ The Philadelphia 76ers also pulled off a 29-point comeback.

LeBron James is trading words with US President Donald Trump again

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LeBron James made national news and it had nothing to do with a big 76ers comebackCredit: gety
The war of words between US President Donald Trump and James continued on Thursday, stemming from a viral video of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer appearing to practice his golf swing on the court while the national anthem was played.

“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump posted on social meda.

“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!”

Fans also called out James, who left the Los Angeles Lakers during the offseason and formed a new super team with the 76ers.

“He needs all the attention that he can get,” a second fan posted. “He lives in the shadows of Micheal Jordan and couldn’t even hold MJ’s jockstrap.”

James went viral during the 76ers’ season-opening win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, which spoiled Jalen Brunson’s team celebrating its recent NBA Finals win.

Thursday was even better for Philly, who trailed 69-45 at halftime vs Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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As James helped overturn a 29-point deficit, one of the greatest players in NBA history recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

But the biggest news was the President of the USA calling out The King, who responded on the same day as the 76ers’ (2-0) massive comeback win.

LeBron James and Donald Trump are battling each other about the US national anthem

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James and Donald Trump are battling each other about the US national anthemCredit: getty

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026
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Trump was in the middle of sports news with Gianni Infantino during the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty
James couldn’t wait to practice his golf swing before the 76ers’ first game
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James couldn’t wait to practice his golf swing before the 76ers’ first gameCredit: x@houselowlights
“It’s a slow news day at the office, you know,” James said.

“Slow news day in the office.”

Philly head coach Nick Nurse was also forced to address the growing controversy.

“I think that goes right in with other outside noise we’ve already had,” Nurse said.

“I keep saying the same thing. All I really care about is getting to the practice floor, getting them in the film room, getting them to the game floor. The focus that they’ve had and the intent and all the stuff like that has been outstanding.”

This isn’t the first time that US President Trump and James have tangled in the media.

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When James played for Cleveland in 2017, the Akron-born superstar wrote ‘equality’ on the back of one black and one white shoe.

James also called Trump a ‘bum’ on Twitter.

“He doesn’t understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the President of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement,” James said then. “He doesn’t understand that, and that’s what makes me more sick than anything.”

Yet many fans wanted James to also show respect for the anthem, and didn’t understand why he couldn’t wait a few more seconds to practice his golf swing.

“Why can’t he be respectful …. that so unclassy,” one fan posted. “Man, I wished LeBron had retired. Hopefully he keeps acting a fool so people know how not to act.”

Trump was also in the middle of the 2026 World Cup during the Folarin Balogun red-card controversy and made news during the 2025 Ryder Cup.