Former President Donald Trump has issued a strong condemnation of NBA star LeBron James, labeling the basketball legend as potentially "racist" in remarks made shortly after James confirmed his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Trump's comments, shared via a statement on Friday, come amid a long-standing public feud between the two figures.
When asked to weigh in on the greatest basketball player of all time, Trump stated his preference for Michael Jordan, a friend with whom he has played golf. "I think LeBron is – maybe he's a racist, but maybe he doesn't like Trump, I don't know – but I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way," Trump said.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in a public dispute that dates back to 2017, when James called Trump a "bum." James has frequently used his platform to criticize Trump's policies and leadership, endorsing Democratic candidates and launching voting-rights initiatives. Their public disagreements intensified during Trump's first presidency when the former president rescinded a White House invitation for Golden State Warriors player Steph Curry, an action James publicly supported Curry against.
James, who is set to sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers, acknowledged in a statement on X that he had strongly considered retiring but felt he still had "more to give." He emphasized that his decision was not driven by money or family, but by the desire to compete and win another championship. The 41-year-old also expressed excitement about energizing a new fan base in Philadelphia.
James' political opposition to Trump predates his presidency, with James endorsing Hillary Clinton in a 2016 op-ed. He cited his own childhood experiences and argued that Clinton, alongside Barack Obama, best understood the needs of underprivileged youth.
James is joining a 76ers roster that includes Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. The team has not won an NBA championship since 1983 and has not advanced past the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs since 2001. James' tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers ended with a championship in 2016, breaking a 52-year title drought for the franchise.