DONALD TRUMP has branded LeBron James a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and demanded the NBA legend apologize over his antics during the US national anthem.

The President launched the attack after footage of James moving around during the anthem went viral following on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred during the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks on Tuesday.

James was seen appearing to practice a golf swing while the anthem was being performed.

Trump shared footage of the incident on Truth Social and blasted: “I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE.”

He then demanded an apology, writing: “LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag.”

But James brushed off the President’s criticism after the Sixers faced the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, responding: “It’s a slow news day at the office.”

And the bust-up sparked a fierce debate online, with some critics accusing the four-time NBA champion of showing disrespect towards the anthem and the country.

Others leapt to James’ defence, arguing the outrage was overblown and pointing out that other Sixers players could also be seen stretching during the performance.

James was noticeably different before Thursday’s clash with Cleveland, standing still with his arms behind his back throughout the anthem.

It is also not the first time the NBA’s all-time leading scorer has faced criticism over similar behavior.

James was filmed appearing to practice a golf swing during the anthem while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day last year.

James and Trump have traded public barbs for years, with the basketball icon repeatedly criticizing the US President while speaking out on political and social issues.

Trump has also repeatedly targeted James and earlier this year backed Michael Jordan over him in basketball’s long-running GOAT debate.

The latest spat comes at the beginning of James’ remarkable 24th NBA season and his first with Philadelphia after leaving the Lakers during the summer.