LeBron James dismissed Donald Trump’s national anthem criticism as a slow news day after Philadelphia’s remarkable comeback victory. The NBA superstar responded after the US president accused him of disrespecting America.
Trump had shared a video of James appearing to practise a golf swing and take a jump shot during the anthem. However, the Philadelphia 76ers forward insisted the controversy was being blown out of proportion, shifting attention back to basketball.
LeBron James Responds to Donald Trump’s Criticism
LeBron James delivered a pointed response after Trump criticised his behaviour before Philadelphia’s season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. The president posted a video of the incident on Truth Social, claiming the veteran had disrespected the United States during the national anthem.
“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” Trump wrote. He also branded the NBA superstar a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and demanded an apology to American military personnel who died serving their country.
James responded after the Sixers completed an extraordinary comeback to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 in Philadelphia. “It must be a slow news day at the office,” he said. “Slow news day at the office.” The reaction reflected the long-running public tension between the basketball icon and the president, who have traded criticism on several occasions over the years.
Before tip-off against the Knicks (2.11), James stood with his arms behind his back and his head bowed as Boyz II Men performed the national anthem. He was subsequently introduced to a rapturous reception from approximately 20,000 spectators. The moment became a talking point after Trump shared his interpretation of the footage, although James appeared focused on the game itself.
Trump Repeats His Complaint at Campaign Rally
Trump revisited the controversy during a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa, on Thursday night. He questioned James’s apparent movements during the national anthem and described the incident as a significant story.
“And what about LeBron James? Did you see that deal?” Trump said. ‘No, he’s doing, during the national anthem, he’s practising his golf swing. I said, what the hell is that? It’s a big scandal kind of a story. I don’t understand it.”
The president’s comments added another distraction for Philadelphia, which had been preparing for its first home game of the campaign. Sixers coach Nick Nurse had repeatedly emphasised the importance of maintaining focus since training camp began. Nevertheless, the controversy placed the team under additional scrutiny before a crucial early-season fixture.
“I think that goes right in with other outside noise we’ve already had,” Nurse said before the game. “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.”
Nurse’s comments underlined his determination to keep the squad focused on basketball rather than external controversy. The Sixers subsequently delivered a performance that gave their supporters plenty to celebrate. Their comeback also ensured that James’s response to Trump was not the only major talking point surrounding the franchise.
Philadelphia 76ers Complete Biggest Comeback of James’s Career
Philadelphia produced one of the most remarkable performances of the early NBA season by recovering from a 29-point deficit against Cleveland. Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, while Joel Embiid contributed 24 in the 114-106 victory. James finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Sixers secured their biggest comeback since 1997.
Jaylen Brown, another significant addition to Philadelphia’s roster, contributed 21 points. The result followed opening victories over the Knicks and the Cavaliers, who reached the Eastern Conference finals last season. Consequently, the Sixers have made an impressive start to a campaign filled with expectations.
The contest threatened to boil over during the fourth quarter when Maxey confronted his former Philadelphia teammate James Harden. The pair went nose-to-nose before others intervened to separate them. Maxey then helped spark a 15-0 run that turned the game around, while Cleveland struggled to respond to the home side’s intensity.
Donovan Mitchell finished with 32 points for the Cavaliers. He had scored 22 points in the first half as Cleveland established a commanding advantage. However, Philadelphia refused to surrender, with Embiid scoring seven consecutive points to reduce the deficit to 96-95. The Sixers subsequently protected their lead until the final buzzer, completing a comeback that electrified the home crowd.
James Targets Fifth NBA Championship in Philadelphia
James considered a third spell with Cleveland during free agency before signing a two-year contract with Philadelphia for the veteran minimum. The 41-year-old previously won one of his four NBA championships with the Cavaliers. Now, he is hoping to secure a fifth title with the Sixers.
Expectations were already high before Philadelphia’s home opener. Tickets for the contest were listed on secondary markets for approximately $4,000 (£2,987) in the lower bowl. The team’s victory over the Knicks had further fuelled anticipation surrounding James and Brown, and the comeback against Cleveland provided another memorable moment.
James made an early impact with an uncontested two-handed dunk before adding another basket following a Maxey steal. Nevertheless, Philadelphia initially struggled to find its rhythm from long range. The Sixers missed 11 of their first 15 three-point attempts and committed 14 turnovers in the opening half, compared with only 12 turnovers throughout their entire victory over the Knicks.
Frustration grew among the home supporters as Cleveland extended its advantage. The crowd responded with boos late in the second quarter, while Mitchell continued to punish Philadelphia’s defensive mistakes. Yet the Sixers gradually recovered their composure and turned the contest around when it mattered most.
Ultimately, Philadelphia’s victory strengthened the excitement surrounding its new-look roster. James will hope the team can maintain that momentum throughout the season as it pursues championship honours. Meanwhile, his exchange with Trump has added another chapter to their long-running public disagreement, although the Sixers’ on-court achievements remain the more significant story for supporters.
For NBA fans following the season, the combination of star performances, heated rivalries and unexpected results promises plenty of discussion. Those tracking basketball through online sports betting will also be watching Philadelphia’s early results closely as expectations grow around the team’s championship prospects.
