NBA superstar LeBron James has finally responded to President Donald Trump after the American leader publicly criticized him over his behavior during the United States national anthem.
Rather than engaging in a heated exchange, the four-time NBA champion delivered a brief, dismissive response that has quickly attracted attention.
“Slow news day at the office, you know,” James told reporters when asked about Trump’s comments.
His reaction came after the Philadelphia 76ers secured a dramatic 114-106 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
LeBron James responds to Donald Trump taking shots at him “Slow news day at the office, you know.” https://t.co/o99dAAfKG6
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) October 23, 2026
What Sparked Trump’s Attack on LeBron James?
The controversy began during Philadelphia’s season-opening game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20.
Video footage showed James making movements resembling a golf swing and basketball shooting motions while the American national anthem was being performed.
Trump subsequently took to his Truth Social platform, accusing the basketball superstar of disrespecting the country and American military personnel.
The president described James as a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and demanded that he apologize to American service members who sacrificed their lives defending the country.
LeBron James Refuses to Enter Heated Political Battle
Despite the strongly worded criticism, James appeared largely unbothered when journalists questioned him about the president’s remarks.
Instead of issuing an apology or launching a personal attack, the NBA legend brushed aside the controversy with his short response.
His comments quickly became another talking point in the longstanding public disagreement between the two influential American personalities.
James has previously criticized Trump’s political leadership, while Trump has repeatedly challenged the basketball star’s public statements and activism.
The latest confrontation has once again placed the relationship between sports, politics, and patriotism under the spotlight.
Sixers Coach Focuses on Basketball
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse also addressed the controversy, emphasizing that his team remained focused on basketball rather than outside distractions.
James, meanwhile, continued making headlines on the court, recording 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists as Philadelphia overcame a 29-point deficit against Cleveland.
With Trump demanding an apology and LeBron offering a dismissive response, the controversy has added another chapter to their years-long public feud.
The big question remains: Will Trump respond again, or will James have the final word?
