LeBron James drew MAGA backlash after video confirmed him swinging a golf membership in the course of the nationwide anthem earlier than the Lakers Christmas Day loss.

LeBron James sparked outrage from MAGA supporters after footage showed him practicing golf swings in the course of the nationwide anthem earlier than the Lakers’ Christmas Day recreation towards the Houston Rockets.

The 40-year-old NBA legend was caught on digicam warming up and taking observe swings whereas “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed on the enviornment.

The incident reignited long-standing tensions between James and Trump supporters who’ve criticized the Lakers star for years over his political activism. Social media exploded with indignant reactions from MAGA followers who referred to as his conduct disrespectful.

“Comrade James is just showing his Chinese colors,” one person posted, referencing previous controversies over James’ feedback about China and Hong Kong protests.

Another wrote: “You are such a P0S. If you hate this country so much (the country that made you rich, BTW), then GET THE HELL OUT.”

The golf swing incident occurred earlier than the Lakers’ 119-96 loss to Houston on Christmas Day. James scored 18 factors within the defeat however admitted earlier than the sport he would slightly be house together with his household than taking part in on the vacation.

James has grow to be obsessive about golf in latest months, continuously posting movies of himself on programs. He mentioned in August that he was “addicted” to the game, becoming a member of different NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Steph Curry who turned avid golfers throughout their careers.

Curry even mocked LeBron James‘s swing at a celeb match, calling it “rookie hazing” whereas saying James had “good bones” for the game.

The Christmas Day controversy provides to James’ historical past of clashes with Trump supporters who view his activism as unpatriotic. Conservative critics have repeatedly instructed him to give attention to basketball as an alternative of politics, however James has maintained his proper to talk out on social points affecting his group.

In 2018, Fox News host Laura Ingraham instructed James to “shut up and dribble” after he criticized then-President Trump. James fired again, saying he would by no means “shut up and dribble” as a result of he owed an excessive amount of to his group.

James has been a frequent critic of Trump all through the president’s political profession. He referred to as Trump’s rhetoric divisive and mentioned the January 6 Capitol riots occurred “because of him.” The NBA star additionally supported Kamala Harris within the 2024 election, posting a video that in contrast Trump’s language to historic violence.

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