After leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the biggest comeback of his 24-year career, LeBron James swiftly dismissed President Trump’s latest attacks on him.
“Slow news day at the office, you know. Slow news day in the office,” James told reporters after posting 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as the 76ers roared back from a 29-point deficit to defeat his old team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-106 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Trump attacked James on social media on Thursday and again in a campaign rally speech Thursday night in Sioux City, Iowa, for his actions during the national anthem Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The 41-year-old James was shown on video stretching, mimicking shooting a basketball and practicing his golf swing as his teammates stood still.
Before tip-off, the Knicks raised a banner for their first NBA championship in 53 years and received their championship rings
Trump initially called James a “TOTAL DISGRACE” in a social media post and said he “should apologize” for his behavior.
Then, during a campaign speech that happened while James and the 76ers were playing the Cavaliers, Trump told a crowd: “And what about LeBron James, did you see that deal? During the national anthem, he’s practicing his golf swing. He’s practicing...I said, ‘What the hell is that?’”
Before the 76ers’ home opener Thursday, James stood for the anthem with his hands behind his back, according to video shown by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
James and Trump have a history going back several years.
In 2017, James criticized Trump, calling him a “bum” on social media, after he withdrew an offer for the NBA champion Golden State Warriors to visit the White House.
“U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!”
Trump withdrew the White House invitation after Warriors star Steph Curry publicly stated he was hesitant to go.
In July, Trump said James, who endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024, might be “a racist.”
In responding to a question from Peter Doocy of Fox News about James and Michael Jordan, Trump said: “Well, Michael Jordan’s a guy that’s a friend of mine — play golf with him. He’s a really good guy. And I think LeBron is — maybe he’s a racist. But maybe he doesn’t like Trump, I don’t know. But I only like people that like me. So I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”
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