LeBron James has broken his silence after US President Donald Trump criticized him for not standing during the national anthem.
According to ESPN, hours after Trump slammed him for appearing to continue his warmups while the national anthem was performed before the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener earlier this week against the Knicks in New York, James responded with brutally dismissive burn.
James said on Thursday night, October 22, "It's a slow news day at the office, you know," James said. "Slow news day in the office."
Trump, in a social media post with an accompanying video, accused James of disrespecting the United States while the national anthem was played Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
In the video, James appeared to practice a golf swing and jump shot while lined up alongside teammates who mostly stood still during the anthem.
Trump said in the post, "I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE. LeBron 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!"
Speaking before Thursday night's home opener, 76ers coach Nick Nurse said Trump's comments were just another outside distraction his star-studded team has faced.
"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."
Trump himself has been criticized for his actions during the national anthem. In 2020, the Miami Herald posted a video of Trump waving his hands as if to conduct an orchestra while the national anthem was played at a Super Bowl watch party.
In the brief video clip, Trump also appeared to gesture at others as those around him stood with their hand over their heart while the anthem was played.
Trump and James have been critical of each other for years, occasionally trading public swipes.
