LeBron James received a demand for an apology from Donald Trump, then either didn't hear the message or completely ignored the president's scathing critique of his national anthem routine.

During Philadelphia's home opener, James' body movements during the national anthem once again became the NBA superstar's most scrutinized pregame routine as he kicked off his first year in Philly.

The newly acquired Philadelphia 76ers star was seen swaying, moving his arms, and rotating his shoulders while standing on the court before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Trump supporters said the actions resembled James working on his golf swing after picking up the hobby in the summer of 2025.

The critique continued a trend of MAGA supporters commenting on anthem decisions after WNBA players stayed in locker rooms during the anthem for both games of the WNBA Finals.

Whatever the warm-up movements were, they prompted the president to accuse him of disrespecting the anthem. "While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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

The president demanded that James apologize to American service members who died defending the flag. His words weren't surprising as Trump continues to hold a long-time grudge against the NBA star for a radical difference in political beliefs.

Footage from Thursday showed James in blue warm-ups again every so slightly extending his arms and rolling his shoulders as the anthem played.

The motion was less elaborate than the apparent golf swing shown in New York, but it still drew attention.

No evidence shows James deliberately repeated the movements to provoke the president, as the stretching could simply be part of his preparation.

James also debuted a brand new handshake with new teammate Joel Embiid to change up his opening signature vibes. He began his 24th NBA season by helping the Sixers defeat the Knicks 106-100 on Tuesday.

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

The winning debut offered a promising start to the latest chapter of James' career after his offseason move from the Los Angeles Lakers after the past nine seasons.

James signed a two-year, $8 million deal in Philly in pursuit of a fifth NBA championship.