LeBron James is no stranger to the limelight, but on Christmas Day 2025, the spotlight burned a little hotter and a lot more contentious than usual. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, now in his 23rd NBA season and on the cusp of turning 41, found himself at the center of a debate that rippled through social media and sports talk shows alike. The reason? A clip that surfaced before tip-off against the Houston Rockets, showing James apparently practicing his golf swing while the Star-Spangled Banner played across Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers’ Christmas Day clash with the Rockets was supposed to be about basketball—a tradition, a spectacle, and for many, a highlight of the NBA calendar. Yet, as the Lakers fell 119-96 in a game that saw James notch 18 points, five assists, and two rebounds, the conversation quickly veered away from what happened on the hardwood. Instead, fans and pundits alike zeroed in on James’ pregame routine, questioning whether his actions during the national anthem crossed a line between warming up and disrespect.
It all started when TV cameras caught James, dressed in his Lakers warm-up, mimicking a golf swing as the anthem played. The footage, widely shared by ESPN and countless fans on social media, sparked immediate backlash. One comment read, "And per usual disrespecting our national anthem," while another lamented, "Disrespecting the flag in the country that made him a millionaire." Still others piled on, calling James "the most unlikeable athlete in history" and questioning his legacy: "Exactly why he will never be the GOAT. SO DISRESPECTFUL."
The criticism wasn’t universal, however. As the video continued to circulate, a number of fans stepped up to defend James, arguing that he was simply loosening up before a high-intensity, 48-minute basketball game. "Bro are yall 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 pushed back in the comments, highlighting the divide in public opinion.
This isn’t the first time James’ off-court interests have made headlines. In recent months, the four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP has become increasingly vocal about his love for golf. Back in August, James admitted on his Instagram story, "Addicted. I'm sorry. I know, yep, that's it. Yep. Rain and everything," describing his newfound obsession. Since then, he’s been spotted on courses around the country, joining a long list of NBA greats—Michael Jordan and Steph Curry among them—who have taken to the fairways during or after their playing days.
Steph Curry, a noted golf enthusiast himself, once poked fun at James’ swing at the American Century Championship celebrity tournament in Lake Tahoe. "Rookie hazing," Curry joked. "He got his first few swings out there. I talked to him last week and he told me how much fun he had. You know, there's something to work with that swing, though. That's kind of what I was going for. He's got good bones and a good foundation, and if he spends a little bit of time practicing, a little bit of coaching, he's got potential for sure. So, I'm excited to see it."
But on Christmas Day, the conversation was less about James’ golf form and more about the context in which he chose to showcase it. The Star-Spangled Banner, a fixture before every American sporting event, carries deep symbolism for many. For some fans, any perceived lack of reverence is a red flag. For others, especially those familiar with the routines of professional athletes, it’s just another example of a player preparing his body and mind for the demands of the game.
James himself didn’t address the incident directly after the game, but his comments to the media before tip-off offered some insight into his state of mind. "I'd much rather be at home with my family. But I mean, it's the game, it's the game I love. It's the game I watched when I was a kid on Christmas Day, watching a lot of the greatest play the game on Christmas. It's always been an honor to play it. Obviously, I'm gonna be completely honest, I would like to be home on the couch with my family all throughout the day. But our number is called, so we have to go out and perform and I look forward to it," James said, reflecting both the privilege and pressure of playing on the NBA’s biggest regular-season stage.
For James, the Christmas Day game was another milestone in a career that’s already made history. He remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a 21-time All-Star, and the face of the league for more than two decades. From his days as a high school phenom on the cover of Sports Illustrated—the now-iconic "THE CHOSEN ONE" headline—to his current role as a veteran leader, James has rarely been a stranger to scrutiny or controversy. Yet, as many have noted, he’s managed to avoid major off-court scandals throughout his career.
This latest episode, however, underscores the unique pressures faced by athletes of James’ stature. Every gesture, every word, every moment in the public eye is magnified, dissected, and debated. In an age where a single clip can ignite a firestorm, the line between personal routine and public perception is thinner than ever. For some, James’ golf swing was a harmless quirk; for others, it was a slight against something sacred.
As the Lakers look to regroup after their Christmas Day defeat, the conversation around James’ actions continues. Will this incident linger, or will it fade into the background as just another chapter in the storied career of one of basketball’s greatest? Only time will tell. For now, the debate rages on, a reminder that in the world of sports, the action off the court can be just as captivating—and contentious—as the game itself.
With the Lakers’ season still unfolding and James approaching his 41st birthday, all eyes remain on the King—on the court, on the golf course, and everywhere in between.
