LeBron James laughs off President Trump’s apology demand

Trump shared the footage on Truth Social and wrote that James “disrespects our Country,” labeling him a “TOTAL DISGRACE.” He added that James “should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for.”

Trump later referenced the moment at a campaign rally in Iowa, calling it “a big scandal kind of a story.”

James addressed the comments after the 76ers overcame a 29-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106, the largest comeback win of his career.

“It must be a slow news day at the office,” he said, via ESPN. “Slow news day at the office.”

Head coach Nick Nurse described the situation as outside noise, emphasizing that the team’s focus in practice, film sessions, and games has remained outstanding amid other distractions.

The exchange continues a years-long public friction between the two.

James, 41 and in his record 24th NBA season with his fourth team, has previously criticized Trump, including calling him a “bum” in 2017. No apology has been offered, and the 76ers appear focused on moving past the external attention as the season progresses.