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Skip Bayless defends LeBron James against Trump’s comments

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 24, 2026, 8:22 PM

Last updated Oct 24, 2026

Skip Bayless defends LeBron James against Trump’s comments

Summary

Skip Bayless defended LeBron James in a conversation with Stephen A. Smith after President Donald Trump criticized James as a “total disgrace.” This came following an incident during the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks. Trump accused James of disrespecting the country and demanded an apology. Bayless, a longtime critic of James, acknowledged James' behavior but argued that Trump’s comments were politically motivated. During the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, James responded to the backlash humorously, implying it stemmed from a slow news day.

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By the Numbers

•Skip Bayless defends LeBron James against Trump’s criticism
•Trump labeled James a 'total disgrace' over anthem behavior
•James dismissed criticism after the 76ers' game
•The incident occurred before the Sixers' opener against the Knicks
•Bayless suggested Trump’s comments are politically motivated

Latest Updates

8:22 PMYahoo Sports — ‘I don’t think LeBron’s a total disgrace’: Skip Bayless defends LeBron James from President Trump

What they're saying

"
Skip Bayless has spent much of his career as one of LeBron James’ harshest critics. But when it comes to President Donald Trump’s latest attacks on the Philadelphia 76ers star, even Bayless is coming to James’ defense. In a conversation with Stephen A. Smith, Bayless pushed back on Trump calling James a “total disgrace” over…
— Yahoo Sports

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