Key facts
- Trump accused James of disrespecting the US by stretching and practicing basketball shots during the national anthem.
- Trump demanded James apologize to military veterans and heroes.
- James plays for the Philadelphia 76ers and competed in a match against the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
US President Donald Trump accused basketball star LeBron James of disrespecting the country by stretching and practicing basketball shots during the playing of the national anthem ahead of a game on Wednesday. Trump posted on social media that James was a "TOTAL DISGRACE" and demanded that James apologize to American military veterans and heroes who died for the flag. James, who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, competed in the season opening match against the New York Knicks. The criticism follows Trump's history of targeting professional sports stars over national anthem conduct, including NFL players in 2017.