LeBron James sparked outrage among patriots after video surfaced showing him practicing golf swings during the national anthem at a Lakers home game, drawing fierce criticism from sports commentators who called it a blatant display of disrespect.
Christmas Day Controversy Ignites Social Media
ESPN’s TikTok account captured LeBron James moving his arms and hips in what appeared to be golf swing motions during the national anthem before the Lakers’ Christmas Day game against Houston. The clip initially received little attention but exploded into controversy days later when conservative media personalities seized on the footage. James’s representatives declined to provide comment when contacted by Fox News, leaving his intentions unexplained.
The timing proved particularly damaging for James’s public image, occurring during a devastating 119-96 loss to the Rockets that highlighted the Lakers’ ongoing struggles. Critics immediately connected his casual behavior during the anthem to broader concerns about his commitment level and respect for American traditions, especially given his history of political activism.
Media Firestorm Led by Conservative Commentator
Sports pundit Craig Carton delivered the harshest criticism on his podcast, directly attacking James with pointed language about patriotism and respect. Carton declared, “If you wanna disregard your coach, disregard your teammates … don’t do it during my national anthem,” while accusing the superstar of disrespecting military service members. His comments amplified the controversy beyond sports media into broader culture war debates about athlete conduct.
The criticism gained traction because James has previously knelt during the anthem in 2020’s NBA bubble as part of racial justice protests. However, Fox News noted this incident appeared unrelated to political protest, describing it instead as a decorum issue that suggests misplaced priorities during a solemn moment of national respect.
Golf Obsession Raises Questions About Priorities
James’s newfound passion for golf has become increasingly visible throughout 2025, including social media posts showing him practicing swings and admitting to being “addicted” to YouTube golf content. Critics argue this incident reveals where his true interests lie as he approaches the twilight of his basketball career at age 40. The optics are particularly damaging when contrasted with traditional expectations of reverence during the national anthem.
Unlike explicit anthem protests that sparked previous controversies, this incident represents something more concerning to conservatives—casual indifference to patriotic ceremony. James’s silence on the matter only reinforces perceptions among critics that he lacks respect for the symbols and traditions that bind Americans together, particularly those who have served in uniform to protect our freedoms.
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Lakers’ LeBron James National Anthem Controversy
LeBron James accused of working his golf swing during national anthem