Trump criticises LeBron James over anthem video with 76ers

US President Donald Trump criticised NBA player LeBron James on Thursday, accusing him of disrespecting the national anthem in a video showing apparent warm-up movements with his Philadelphia 76ers teammates. It was not immediately clear when the footage was filmed.

Trump posted the video on his Truth Social network and called James a “TOTAL DISGRACE”. He also said the player should apologise to those who had died for the American flag and what the country stands for.

What the video shows

The clip shows James lined up with his 76ers teammates while making lateral swing motions and basketball shooting movements. An internal caption on the video reads: “LeBron working on his golf swing pregame.”

Trump wrote: “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” He added that he had said from the beginning that James was “no good”. The video was the basis for Trump’s accusation, but the date of the recording had not been established when the report was published.

James enters another NBA season

James, 41, moved to the Philadelphia 76ers after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. He is entering a record-extending 24th NBA season with his fourth team.

There was no immediate reaction from James or the 76ers to Trump’s post.

What remains unclear

Trump has previously criticised athletes over their behaviour during the US national anthem before games, particularly Black athletes. During his first term, he singled out NFL player Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the “Star-Spangled Banner” to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

In this case, the footage shows James making movements while lined up with his teammates, but its filming date remains unclear.