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Event / Sports
LeBron James National Anthem Dispute
During the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers' October 20, 2026 season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, LeBron James was seen practicing a golf swing and jump shot while most teammates stood still. On October 22, 2026, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social criticizing James's conduct as disrespectful and asking him to apologize. As of that afternoon, James had not publicly responded.
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2026-10-23 to 2026-10-24 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 23 Oct, 00:22 UTC
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What happened
LeBron James is in his 24th NBA season and first season with the 76ers
LeBron James is in his record 24th NBA season and his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers, after announcing in July 2026 that he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers to join the 76ers for the 2026-27 season.
Trump posts on Truth Social calling LeBron James's anthem conduct a disgrace
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that LeBron James disrespected the United States during the national anthem and called him a total disgrace. Trump asked James to apologize to military personnel and others who died for the American flag and for what the country represents.
The 76ers were scheduled to play their home debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22
The Philadelphia 76ers were scheduled to make James's home debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, October 22, 2026.
James practiced a golf swing and jump shot during the national anthem before a 76ers game
During the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, LeBron James was seen practicing a golf swing and a jump shot while the anthem was performed.
76ers season opener was played against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden
The Philadelphia 76ers' 2026-27 season opener on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, was played against the New York Knicks, the reigning NBA champions, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
James had not publicly responded to Trump's criticism as of Thursday afternoon
As of Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026, LeBron James had not made a public comment or social media post in response to Trump's criticism of his anthem conduct.
Most 76ers teammates stood still during the national anthem
During the national anthem at the 76ers' season opener, most of James's Philadelphia teammates stood still while the anthem was performed.
Trump said in July 2026 that Michael Jordan was a better player than James
In July 2026, after James announced his move to the 76ers, Trump was asked whether James or Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player of all time. Trump said he would choose Jordan, whom he described as a friend and golf partner, and said he only likes people who like him.
James performed similar anthem movements during a Lakers game on Christmas Day 2025
On Christmas Day 2025, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James performed a golf swing routine during the national anthem, which is cited as a prior instance of similar conduct.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Philadelphia Crowd Boos 76ers as Cavaliers Build 29-Point Lead
Philadelphia fans booed the 76ers before halftime as Cleveland's lead reached 29, while Nick Nurse called Trump's criticism outside noise.
Trump Renews Criticism of LeBron James at Sioux City Rally
Trump repeated his criticism of LeBron James and demanded an apology during a midterm campaign stop in Iowa.
LeBron James Responds to Trump's Anthem Criticism With Brief Remark
James replied to Trump’s anthem criticism with a brief remark, while coach Nick Nurse called the criticism outside noise.
Trump Criticizes LeBron James's Anthem Conduct in Truth Social Post
Trump publicly criticized LeBron James's anthem conduct during a 76ers game, and James had not responded as of Thursday afternoon.