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

LeBron James sparked outrage from MAGA supporters after footage confirmed him working towards golf swings throughout the nationwide anthem earlier than the Lakers’ Christmas Day sport in opposition to the Houston Rockets.

The 40-year-old NBA legend was caught on digital camera warming up and taking apply 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 known as his habits disrespectful.

“Comrade James is simply exhibiting his Chinese language colours,” one consumer posted, referencing previous controversies over James’ feedback about China and Hong Kong protests.

One other wrote: “You’re such a P0S. When you hate this nation a lot (the nation that made you wealthy, 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 somewhat be house together with his household than enjoying on the vacation.

James has turn out to be obsessive about golf in latest months, ceaselessly 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 grew to become 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 neighborhood.

In 2018, Fox Information 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 neighborhood.

James has been a frequent critic of Trump all through the president’s political profession. He known as Trump’s rhetoric divisive and mentioned the January 6 Capitol riots occurred “due to 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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