LeBron James, widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, has faced backlash after he was seen making a motion that appeared to be a golf swing during the national anthem before his team’s Christmas Day game. The video has received many negative comments on TikTok, with many users finding it disrespectful.
LeBron James faces backlash for his behaviour
During the national anthem before the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, the ESPN cameras caught LeBron James seemingly practicing a golf swing. He was swaying back and forth as he was lined up with his teammates for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Some fans found the 41-year-old’s gesture funny, but most did not. Instead, there was a wave of backlash for what fans considered a disrespect to the national anthem.
A video, which has since gone viral on TikTok, accumulated many such comments. “Disrespecting the flag in the country that made him a millionaire,” one fan wrote. Another wrote, “Worst thing that happen to Lakers.” Meanwhile, another wrote, “Show some respect please.” Yet another user added, “Jordan would never!! Shows who truly is the GOAT.”
Meanwhile, some users tried to defend the move, claiming it was harmless. “Bro, are y’all ok? He’s just warming up to play a 48+ minute high intensity basketball game. That doesn’t show disrespect. Everyone does it,” one user wrote in defense. However, most fans seem agitated by it, anyhow. LeBron did not address the controversy directly yet.
The Rockets went on to win the game 119-96. Recently, the NBA star has picked up golf as a new hobby. This comes as he nears the end of his legendary basketball career. James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals appearances.
