LeBron James Slammed for Practicing Golf Swing During National Anthem

LeBron James has once again stirred controversy but this time, it wasn't for kneeling. It was for what many fans are calling blatant disrespect during the playing of the national anthem.

Before tip-off Sunday between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, the 41-year-old NBA veteran was caught practicing his golf swing on the sideline while “The Star-Spangled Banner” played in the background. Video footage showed James swaying his hips and air-swinging his arms, appearing completely disengaged from the moment of national reflection.

Sports commentator Craig Carton didn't hold back. “Your guy, the self-appointed king, decides that’s a good time for me to work on my golf swing and disrespect the men and women of the military who gave their lives for this country,” Carton said on The Craig Carton Show. “Don’t do it during my national anthem.”

The reaction has been swift and brutal. Fans across the country are asking why the NBA continues to tolerate such antics. While it may not have been a political protest this time, James’ body language spoke volumes about where his attention lies: not on the court, not on the flag, but apparently on his golf game.

And this isn’t an isolated moment.

• In October, James was seen getting golf tips during a timeout, instead of paying attention to the Lakers' huddle.

• In early December, cameras caught him working on his swing during a game against the Phoenix Suns.

• Now, he’s doing it during the national anthem a moment intended to honor the sacrifices of American service members.

For Lakers fans, it’s not just disrespectful it’s demoralizing. With the team struggling and coach JJ Redick openly saying his players “don’t care enough,” James’ antics are more than just tone-deaf. They’re symbolic of a disconnect from leadership, focus, and pride in representing something greater than oneself.

Adding fuel to the fire, James’ longtime friend Dwyane Wade laughed off concerns. “LeBron is on his golf simulator right now,” Wade quipped when asked about the backlash.

This is the same LeBron James who supported Colin Kaepernick's anthem protests in 2016, kneeled multiple times, and never hesitated to inject his politics into sports. Yet now, when Americans simply expect two minutes of attention during their national anthem, James can’t be bothered to stand still or even stop swinging.

While the media will surely bend over backward to defend the NBA star, the message to fans is crystal clear: respect for country comes second to ego and distraction.

Maybe next time, LeBron can save his golf practice for the clubhouse.

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