IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
LeBron James is already facing backlash this season.
During the Sixers-Knicks home opener, LeBron appeared to practice his golf swing on the sidelines as the national anthem played.
LeBron doing ANYTHING to disrespect the National Anthem https://t.co/TczsaaxoLg
— House of Lowlights (@HouseLowlights) October 21, 2026
Earlier this year, LeBron talked about his obsession with golf.
“I told myself when I turned 40 that I wanted to do something that was maybe uncomfortable or never done in my life before. I’d never played golf before, and I never really followed the sport. When I turned 40, I said it was that and chess; I’ve never played chess as well. So that will be next, but right now, I’m locked in on golf,” James told Melissa Rohlin of the California Post. “It’s something that I’ve really put a lot of time in. I love the sport, appreciate the sport. I love how difficult it is; I love a challenge. So, I look forward to putting more work in over the course of however long it takes me. But right now, I’m having a hell of a time playing.”
Fans ripped into LeBron for practicing his golf swing at the wrong time.
LeBron decided to practice his golf swing during the national anthem last night. I can’t wait until he retires, he’s been toxic for the entire NBA. https://t.co/wTusZifdla
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) October 22, 2026
This isn’t the first time LeBron has worked on his golf swing during the anthem.
Last year, while he was still with the Lakers, ESPN shared a video of the four-time NBA champion doing the same thing before a game.
@espn #lebron #golf #basketball #lakers #nba ♬ original sound – ESPN