"You're warming up during the national anthem? It's an insult to the country!" Trump's baffling attack → LeBron unfazed: "Sounds like you've got nothing better to do"

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U.S. President Donald Trump (80) fiercely criticized LeBron James (42, Philadelphia 76ers), who warmed up during the playing of the U.S. national anthem, calling it "an insult to the country." However, LeBron responded lightly with his characteristic nonchalant attitude, essentially brushing off the criticism.

According to a report by the New York Post on the 24th (Korean time), the incident stemmed from the NBA (National Basketball Association) regular season opener between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia held at Madison Square Garden in New York on the 21st. Prior to the start of the game, as singer Avery Wilson performed the U.S. national anthem, LeBron engaged in his usual pre-game warm-up routine, including swinging his arms widely and mimicking shooting motions.

Witnessing this, Trump posted an agitated reaction on his social media platform, "Truth Social," on the 23rd. Trump stated, "LeBron James insulted our country while listening to the U.S. national anthem," and demanded that he "immediately apologize to the great American warriors and heroes who gave their lives for the Stars and Stripes and our nation."

However, LeBron appeared completely unbothered. When reporters asked about Trump's critical post ahead of a home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the 23rd, LeBron replied calmly, "It must be a slow news day at the office," effectively dismissing the controversy. He lightly brushed it off, seemingly unwilling to get entangled in the dispute.

Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse also dismissed the controversy. Coach Nurse likewise stated before the game, "It is just one of many external noises we have experienced," adding, "My focus is on keeping our players concentrated on the practice facility, the analytics room, and the court, and the team's engagement is excellent," thereby supporting LeBron.

LeBron and Trump share a deep history of conflict. LeBron, who has been selected to the NBA All-Star game a remarkable 22 times, also fired direct shots at Trump on social media in 2017, calling him an "idiot," indicating that the two have engaged in long-standing verbal spats.

Meanwhile, controversy surrounding national anthem observances is heating up again in the U.S. sports world. Recently, during the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) championship series, some teams cleared the court before the national anthem was played, continuing political and social debates over pre-game rituals.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original