Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James’ actions during the U.S. national anthem before the season opener against the New York Knicks are being debated.

James helped the 76ers get their 2026-27 NBA season off to a winning start with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists against the Knicks in a 106-100 win over the reigning champions.

While James is receiving his flowers for adjusting from main star to a perfectly complementary option behind the 76ers’ high-usage scorers, he is under fire for something completely unrelated to basketball.

LeBron James’ imitation golf swing during the national anthem has angered fans.

LeBron was seen on camera repeatedly practising his golf swing during the pregame national anthem, which has angered a lot of fans.

“Can’t hate him enough. Every year he gets more insufferable,” said one fan.

“This is incredibly disrespectful. Look at LeBron during our National Anthem. An Anti-American,” were the thoughts of another fan.

“Once again… LeBron seeking attention, and when you point it out, His fanbase says you’re hating,” said a fan.

“Doing this once is weird. Doing it multiple times during the national anthem is just disrespectful. Bro really treats it like pregame golf practice,” claimed one fan.

“Performative. Knows all eyes are on him. Dude loves attention. S—- golf swing, BTW,” said another fan.

LeBron has been spotted doing this golf swing during national anthems in the past, but this happening in the wake of the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries running off the court during the national anthem has made fans extra sensitive to this.

James has previously been critical of multiple aspects of the United States and has been a vocal critic of the incumbent President, which is also leading to many assuming that this is a political statement.

Regardless of how one feels about how players should act during national anthems, LeBron could be more sensitive to how fans react to this. But since he has not responded to criticism over this in the past, it is unlikely he will do so now, even with certain fanbases attacking him for it.