Full Breakdown
Trump Criticizes LeBron James for Anthem Movements at 76ers Debut
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident at Madison Square Garden
On October 20, 2026, LeBron James – now a forward for the Philadelphia 76ers – was lined up with his teammates before the season-opening game against the New York Knicks. While the Star-Spangled Banner was performed, video footage showed James swinging his arms in a motion described as a golf swing and then mimicking a basketball shot. Teammates stood largely still.
Trump’s Social-Media Response
He added that James was “no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE.”
LeBron James and Team Reaction
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said the president’s comments were “outside noise” that the team was trying to tune out, emphasizing a focus on practice and game preparation.
Historical Context of Trump’s Anthem Criticism
Trump’s objection to athletes’ conduct during the national anthem dates back to his first term, when he singled out NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling in protest of racial injustice. He has repeatedly linked such behavior to a lack of respect for the flag and has previously canceled a White House visit by the 2018 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles after they declined to stand for the anthem.
Game Statistics
- LeBron James recorded 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
- The 76ers secured a 106-100 win, marking a successful debut for James in Philadelphia.
Official Statements & Responses
- President Trump’s Truth Social post asserted that James “disrespects our Country” and should apologize to fallen service members.
- Coach Nick Nurse described the president’s remarks as “outside noise” that the team is working to ignore.
- James’s own remark framed the criticism as a “slow news day” and did not constitute an apology.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Philadelphia 76ers organization did not issue an immediate comment on Trump’s post, and James has not provided a formal response beyond his brief remark. No other National Basketball Association (NBA) officials or player representatives have publicly addressed the incident as of the reporting date.
Verbatim Quotes
- “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country,” — Donald Trump, US president
- “I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” — Donald Trump, US president
- “I think that goes right in with other outside noise we’ve already had,” — Nick Nurse, sixers coach
- “Must (have been) a slow news day at the office, you know? Slow news day in the office,” — New York. James
These quotations capture the president’s accusation, his characterization of James as a “TOTAl DISGRACE” the coach’s view of the criticism as distraction, and James’s own tongue-in-cheek response.