LeBron James laughs off President Trump's apology demand

Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LeBron James laughs off President Trump's apology demand

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated Oct 24, 2026 9:37 AM ET

LeBron James brushed aside President Donald Trump’s demand for an apology, delivering a short, lighthearted reply after the Philadelphia 76ers’ home opener.

The episode originated Tuesday at Madison Square Garden during the 76ers’ season-opening game against the New York Knicks.

Video captured James practicing a golf swing and shooting motion while the national anthem played, as most of his teammates stood still.

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.”

LeBron James still in golf mode as he was practicing his swing during the national anthem last night of Sixers-Knicks️

(via @alexdaysports) pic.twitter.com/CsKChSqr9L
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 21, 2026

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.

"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."

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

James is 41 and in his record 24th NBA season with his fourth team, and he 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.

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