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NBA·ANALYSIS·October 22, 2026 02:53 PM ET

Trump demands apology from LeBron James over national anthem

Stretching and a free-throw motion sparked the rebuke

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 50m1 min read
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President Donald Trump said NBA star Lebron James should apologize after accusing the Philadelphia 76ers forward of disr Via @usatodaysports on X

What happened: President Donald Trump accused Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James of disrespecting the United States by stretching and mimicking his free-throw motion during the national anthem. Trump called on James to apologize for his conduct during the pregame ceremony.

Why it matters: The remarks continue a long-running public feud between Trump, who has regularly commented on league affairs, and James, whom the president has repeatedly targeted with public criticism.

What to watch: Philadelphia's scheduled game has not started yet, with upcoming media availability offering the next opportunity for James to address the remarks.

Sources

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