LeBron James was called out by Donald Trump to apologize, but the basketball star either missed the politician's harsh criticism of his national anthem behavior or chose to disregard it entirely.

At Philadelphia's season opener, James' movements during the national anthem once more became the most closely watched aspect of the NBA star's pregame ritual as he began his inaugural season in Philly.

The recently signed Philadelphia 76ers player was observed swaying, gesturing with his arms, and rolling his shoulders while positioned on the court prior to taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Trump supporters claimed the motions resembled James practicing his golf swing after he took up the sport in the summer of 2025.

The criticism followed a pattern of MAGA supporters weighing in on anthem-related choices after WNBA players remained in locker rooms during the anthem for both WNBA Finals games.

Whatever the pregame stretches entailed, they led the president to accuse him of showing disrespect to the anthem. "While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump also posted a video of James swaying at Madison Square Garden during the NBA's opening week of games. Trump added: "I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE."

The U.S. President called on James to issue an apology to American service members who gave their lives defending the flag. The remarks were unsurprising given Trump's longstanding feud with the NBA star stemming from sharply divergent political views.

Thursday's footage captured James in blue warm-ups once more, subtly extending his arms and rolling his shoulders during the anthem. While the gesture was less pronounced than the apparent golf swing witnessed in New York, it nonetheless attracted scrutiny. There's no indication that James intentionally replicated the movements to antagonize the U.S. President, as the stretching may simply be routine preparation.

James also unveiled a fresh handshake with new teammate Joel Embiid, adding a new dimension to his pregame rituals. He kicked off his 24th NBA season by contributing to the Sixers' 106-100 victory over the Knicks on Tuesday.

The Sixers forward recorded 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists across 34 minutes on New York's ring night, while Tyrese Maxey paced Philadelphia with 28 points.

The successful debut provided an encouraging beginning to this new phase of James' career following his offseason departure from the Los Angeles Lakers after nine seasons. James inked a two-year, $8 million contract in Philadelphia as he chases a fifth NBA championship.