LeBron James Dismisses Donald Trump's National Anthem Criticism

NBA superstar LeBron James responded with a dry, dismissive remark after United States Donald Trump criticized his behavior during the national anthem before a game. Speaking to reporters following a home victory by his team, James offered a short counter to the political attacks, brushing off the controversy surrounding his pre-game routine at the start of his 24th season.

Donald Trump Attacks Pre-Game Routine on Truth Social

The back-and-forth began during the season opener between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks. Video footage captured James performing warm-up drills, including movements resembling a golf swing and basketball throws, while the national anthem played and his teammates stood still. On his Truth Social platform, President Trump called James’ actions a “complete disgrace” and a sign of disrespect toward the country. Trump wrote that the 41-year-old athlete should apologize to military veterans and the nation, later doubling down on the remarks during a campaign event where he characterized the incident as a major scandal.

76ers star LeBron James responds to Trump’s national anthem criticism

LeBron James Counters With a Sarcastic Jab

Faced with the political uproar after Philadelphia’s subsequent matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, James declined to engage in a prolonged debate. When reporters asked for his reaction, the four-time NBA champion offered a pointed, sarcastic dismissal. “It must have been a slow news day at the office,” James said, repeating the phrase for emphasis.

Team Support and Past Clashes Between the Star and the President

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse quickly stepped in to shield his star player from the escalating media storm. Nurse dismissed the political outcry as outside noise that the team consciously chooses to ignore. “The only thing that matters to me is what happens on the training court, in the video room, and on the basketball floor,” Nurse told reporters. The verbal sparring is not the first between the two figures; Trump has frequently targeted professional athletes over anthem protests and ceremonies, and he and James have engaged in public feuds on multiple occasions over the years.