LeBron James dismisses Trump's anthem criticism as Nurse urges focus

LeBron James dismissed criticism from US President Donald Trump on Thursday after the president demanded an apology over the Philadelphia 76ers star's movements during the national anthem. Speaking after Philadelphia's home win over Cleveland, James treated the complaint as a distraction rather than offering an apology, according to AFP and Yahoo Sports.

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The dispute concerned footage from Tuesday's season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Yahoo Sports reported that James moved through rotational exercises and a shooting motion while standing alongside his teammates during the anthem. The footage circulated on Wednesday before Trump shared it on Truth Social the following day, accusing James of disrespecting the country.

Trump also returned to the subject at a rally in Iowa on Thursday night. James responded when reporters asked about the president's comments after the Cleveland game, describing it as a "slow news day at the office", AFP reported. His brief answer did not expand on why he had been moving during Tuesday's anthem.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse addressed the criticism before the home opener. According to AFP, he placed it among the external distractions he wanted his players to ignore. Nurse said his priorities were working with the team in practice, reviewing film and preparing for games, while praising the players' concentration and approach to their work.

The Associated Press reported that James stood with his arms behind his back and his head bowed as Boyz II Men performed the anthem before Thursday's game. Philadelphia then recovered from a 29-point deficit to beat Cleveland 114-106. James contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds in what AP described as the largest comeback victory of his career.

The exchange came early in a reshaped Philadelphia team's season. Yahoo Sports noted that James and Jaylen Brown had joined a core that was already at playoff level, raising championship expectations. USA TODAY reported that the victory left the Sixers 2-0 in James' first season with the club. Nurse's response kept the emphasis on that team's preparation, rather than the president's criticism.