Lebron Pushes Back on Trump’s Claim of Patriotic Disrespect
WHO:
Fox News - President Donald Trump criticized NBA star LeBron James over his conduct during the national anthem.
Fox News - James was described as a Los Angeles Lakers forward and as having made his 76ers debut.
US Magazine - James, identified as 41, responded to Trump’s claim that he “disrespects our country.”
Fox News - Bobby Burack was identified as an OutKick writer.
WHAT:
Fox News - James practiced his golf swing while “The Star-Spangled Banner” played before his 76ers debut.
Fox News - Trump called James’ conduct a “TOTAL DISGRACE” on social media.
Fox News - ESPN.com’s headline described Trump as criticizing James “for not standing still during the national anthem.”
Fox News - The article said James had also practiced his golf swing during the national anthem on Christmas Day the previous year.
US Magazine - After the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114–106, James told reporters, “It’s a slow news day at the office, you know.”
Fox News - The article reported that Trump’s 2022 remarks about recruiting James to a women’s basketball team went viral.
Fox News - James averaged 15 points per game through his first two games of the season; the article said he would turn 42 in December.
WHERE:
Fox News - The national-anthem incident occurred before James’ 76ers debut.
US Magazine - James gave his response in the locker room after the 76ers’ win over the Cavaliers.
WHEN:
Fox News - Trump’s remarks about recruiting James to a women’s basketball team were from 2022.
Fox News - Those remarks went viral in August 2026.
Fox News - The article said James would turn 42 in December.
Fox News - ESPN.com published the cited headline on Thursday.
WHY:
US Magazine - The article said debate was swirling over James’ behavior during a recent NBA game as Trump made personal jabs at him.
HOW:
Fox News - James’ conduct was captured in a clip showing him practicing his golf swing during the national anthem.
US Magazine - James responded to reporters’ questions with a brief remark dismissing the attention as a slow news day.
(UPDATED October 24, 2026 03:05 UTC)
President Trump criticized LeBron James after a clip showed the Lakers forward practicing his golf swing while “The Star-Spangled Banner” played before his 76ers debut. Trump called the conduct a “TOTAL DISGRACE” on social media, and ESPN.com described his criticism as being about James not standing still during the anthem. James responded in the locker room after Philadelphia beat Cleveland 114 to 106, saying, “It’s a slow news day at the office, you know.” The exchange has added to debate over James’ behavior during a recent NBA game and Trump’s personal jabs at him. James, 41, also practiced his golf swing during the anthem on Christmas Day the previous year. Trump’s 2022 remarks about recruiting James to a women’s basketball team went viral in August 2026. James averaged 15 points per game through his first two games of the season, and he is set to turn 42 in December.