LeBron James Leads 29-Point Comeback — Then Trump Calls Him 'A Total Disgrace' in Viral Anthem Row

LeBron James produced the game of the young NBA season — leading the Philadelphia 76ers back from 29 points down to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114–106 in his home opener — and within hours found himself in a public fight with the President of the United States. President Donald Trump called James "a total disgrace" over a viral national-anthem video and demanded an apology. James, 41, had not publicly responded as the story exploded across social media.

Key Facts

• The comeback: 76ers trailed by 29 in the first half (Cleveland led 69–45 at the break), then outscored the Cavs 69–37 after halftime to win 114–106
• The moment: a 15–0 fourth-quarter run sealed the comeback in James's Philadelphia home opener
• The viral video: footage showed James swinging his arms in warm-up-style motions while standing with teammates during the national anthem
• Trump's post (Truth Social, Oct. 22): accused James of disrespecting the country, called him "no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE" and demanded he apologize to fallen US service members
• James's response: none publicly reported as of Friday

How did the anthem row start?

The video, clipped from a recent 76ers game, shows James rotating his arms and body while in line with teammates as the anthem plays — movements supporters say look like a warm-up stretch and critics say show disrespect. The President's interpretation was blunt, and his post instantly turned a sports-bar argument into the day's biggest trending story across X, TikTok, Facebook and sports television. Parade's report notes the clip itself does not establish James's intentions, and that similar stretching during anthems drew criticism of James as far back as December 2025.

Why is the comeback itself historic?

James joined Philadelphia as a free agent in July — his famous "last decision" at 41. Erasing a 29-point deficit in his home debut, against the Cleveland franchise where he first became a superstar, is the kind of scripted-feeling night that has followed him for two decades. The 76ers were outscored by 24 in the first half and won the second half by 32.

What happens next?

All eyes are on James's next media availability. He has clashed with Trump before — most famously during the 2017 "U bum" exchange era — and rarely lets such attacks pass in silence. The NBA has not commented. With midterm elections eleven days away, the feud also lands in the middle of a political season where sports and politics keep colliding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Trump say about LeBron James?

In a Truth Social post on October 22, the President shared the anthem video, wrote that James "disrespects our Country," called him "a total disgrace," and demanded an apology to American service members who died in service.

Did the 76ers really come back from 29 points down?

Yes — according to game reports, Cleveland led by as many as 29 in the first half (69–45 at halftime) before Philadelphia stormed back to win 114–106 in James's home opener on October 22.

Has LeBron responded to Trump?

Not publicly as of the latest reports on Friday, October 23. Coverage of the feud notes his response — or continued silence — will drive the next round of the story.

Quotes are from the President's social-media post as reported; game details from published game coverage. This article reports a developing story.