President Donald Trump criticized Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James on social media Thursday for what he perceived as James disrespecting the country with his actions during the national anthem before Tuesday's season opener.
James was seen moving around, including moving his arms as if taking a golf swing and mimicking a basketball shot, before the Oct. 20 game at New York's Madison Square Garden. Trump also brought James up at a rally Thursday in Iowa, calling the incident "a big scandal kind of a story."
The NBA's all-time leading scorer − who appeared more stationary during the Oct. 22 anthem at Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena − was asked about Trump's comments after the 76ers' thrilling comeback victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James, a frequent target of Trump's over the years, chuckled a bit when asked what he thought of the president's words. "Must (have been) a slow news day at the office, you know? Slow news day in the office," James said.
The 76ers are 2-0 in James' first season with the team.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James responds to Trump's national anthem criticism: 'Slow news day'