Updated
Stephen A. Smith has defended LeBron James after President Donald Trump condemned the Philadelphia 76ers star over his movements during the national anthem, arguing that one moment shouldn't overshadow a career.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Smith praised James as one of the greatest champions and role models in American sports history.
LeBron James lands on Trump’s list of people accused of disrespecting America
He rejected the suggestion that the 41-year-old should be branded unpatriotic because footage showed him appearing to mimic a golf swing and basketball shot before Philadelphia's season opener against the New York Knicks.
“LeBron James as a role model, as a champion, is one of the greatest and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of those categories in American, if not world history,” said Smith.
“That’s how phenomenal he has been. He does not deserve to be viewed as some unpatriotic individual. Not at all.”
Trump shared the clip on social media and called James a “TOTAL DISGRACE,” demanding an apology to American military personnel who died serving the country.
He revisited the criticism at a rally in Iowa, describing the incident as a scandal.
“I’m not here to tell you that it was a good look what LeBron did,” added Smith.
“I’m here to tell you that his history of professionalism, of decorum, and of handling himself like a role model should take precedence over one moment in which he was listening to the national anthem and feigning a golf swing. He deserves better than that from us.”
Smith questions the political purpose behind the criticism
The sports personality suggested Trump's attack may have a political purpose as Republicans approach the midterm elections.
Smith argued that targeting James could rally supporters, comparing the episode with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
Trump framed his objection as a matter of respect for the flag and those who served the United States. James and Trump have exchanged criticism for years, with James speaking about social issues and the role prominent athletes can play beyond their sport.
James responded briefly on Thursday after Philadelphia overturned a 29-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 in his home debut. He scored 17 points and collected 10 rebounds before dismissing the uproar as “a slow news day at the office.”
"It's a slow news day at the office, you know," James said. "Slow news day in the office."
The comeback was the largest of his career, giving the 76ers another reason to focus on basketball rather than the headlines.
Coach Nick Nurse echoed that approach, describing the presidential comments as outside noise.
Philadelphia has opened the season 2-0, and the team appears intent on keeping attention on its performances instead of getting drawn into a political dispute.
"I think that goes right in with other outside noise we've already had," Nurse said.
"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."