LeBron James accused of working on his 'golf swing' during national anthem

LeBron James made his Los Angeles Lakers season debut last night, starting year 23 with a win over the Utah Jazz. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes discuss how impressive this was for LeBron, and how much pressure is on Patrick Mahome.

LeBron James took heat over the weekend after he was seen swinging his hips during the national anthem before the Los Angeles Lakers played the Sacramento Kings.

The Lakers star was accused of practicing his golf swing instead of standing still with either his hand over his heart or with his hands behind his back. Sports pundit Craig Carton called out James for the move during an episode of his podcast on Monday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Dec. 28, 2025. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)

"If you wanna disregard your coach, disregard your teammates, being an 11-plus-1 type of guy, do it on your own time. Don’t do it during my national anthem," Carton said. "A couple of days ago, Lakers basketball, national anthem, he disrespects the national anthem.

"And while the anthem is being played, your guy, the self-appointed ‘King,’ decides that’s a good time to work on my golf swing and disrespect the men and women of the military who gave their lives for this country. ‘Let me get a couple of air swings in while the anthem is being played because I don’t play good basketball anymore. I gotta work on my golf game.’"

Fox News Digital reached out to James’ reps for comment.

NUGGETS STAR NIKOLA JOKIC SUFFERS KNEE INJURY, MISSES ENTIRE SECOND HALF IN LOSS TO MIAMI HEAT

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after scoring a basket as