LeBron James benches himself during national anthem at son’s college debut

NBA star LeBron James is under fire after he entered his son’s college debut for the University of Southern California and parked himself on the bench during the national anthem.

Footage of the incident shows the Los Angeles Lakers forward walking into USC’s Galen Center mid-anthem while the crowd stands with their hands over their hearts.

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The four-time NBA champion is seen immediately sitting down with his daughter and keeping his hat on during the anthem.

His actions were quickly under attack by conservatives across social media.

“LeBron James is an absolute piece of garbage!!!” one user posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. “Show some RESPECT for the National Anthem!!”

“Zero respect for the country that allowed him to become a billionaire. Zero respect for the men and women who defend our country so he can live his life,” another user commented. “Shameful.”

“He has no respect for the men & women that gave their life to allow him to play a game for a living that provides his family with generational wealth,” according to one post. “He’s a scumbag POS.”

The reporter responsible for capturing James sitting during the anthem attempted to defend the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

“As the reporter who took this video, this is gross and completely mischaracterizes the situation. LeBron has done this for YEARS in Bronny’s time at Sierra Canyon. It’s objectively the best time to walk in so he doesn’t cause a massive stir. Stop it.”

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James watched his oldest son, Bronny James, take the court against California State University, Long Beach, on Sunday.

Bronny finished the game with four points, three assists, and two rebounds in 16 minutes during USC’s 84-79 overtime loss.