Former President Donald Trump issued a sharp rebuke of NBA player LeBron James following a season-opening game in Philadelphia. In a social media post, Trump shared footage appearing to show James continuing his pre-game warm-up exercises while the national anthem was being performed. Trump labeled James a "total disgrace" and stated that the athlete should apologize to military veterans and those who have died for the American flag.

The incident centers on the ongoing debate regarding athlete conduct during the national anthem, a topic that has frequently intersected with American politics in recent years. While Trump framed the actions as a direct insult to "Great American Warriors and Heroes," the report from the South China Morning Post focuses on the President's reaction to the visual evidence of the warm-up. There is no mention in the provided report of a response from James or the NBA regarding the specific claim that he failed to stand still during the anthem. The coverage highlights the confrontational nature of the rhetoric used by the former President, emphasizing his demand for a public apology.