Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James found himself at the centre of a major social media storm on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. The controversy erupted not over his performance on the court, but for his actions during a pre-game ritual considered sacred by many fans.
The Incident That Ignited the Fire
Just before the Lakers faced the Houston Rockets, as the United States national anthem began to play, cameras captured LeBron James holding a golf club and practicing his swing. This footage was quickly shared by ESPN on its social media platforms with a caption questioning, "Bron working on his golf swing?" The clip spread like wildfire across X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, triggering immediate and intense reactions.
For many viewers, the timing was deeply problematic. The national anthem is a moment of national pride and unity, and James's casual golf practice was perceived as a sign of disrespect towards this symbolic tradition. The fact that it occurred on Christmas Day, a marquee date in the NBA calendar filled with emotion and tradition, amplified the perceived indifference of the act.
Fan Fury and Divided Opinions
The online backlash was swift and severe. A significant portion of fans accused the NBA veteran of showing a lack of respect for the flag and the anthem. The criticism often extended beyond this single incident, with fans venting frustrations about the Lakers' recent struggles, including their loss to the Rockets on that same day.
Comments on social media were scathing. One fan suggested a complete overhaul of the team, stating, "Want to fix the Lakers? Get rid of LeBron, get rid of Bronny, get rid of J.J." Others claimed the team would be better without him, with some even proposing building the franchise around other stars. Critics argued that athletes, especially of James's stature, must be mindful of their actions during such solemn moments.
However, a defence also emerged. Some supporters and observers argued that James was merely stretching or warming up in his own way before the game. They pointed to his well-known passion for golf as a possible explanation for the instinctive action.
Context and Fallout
Adding context to the situation, LeBron James's longtime friend and former teammate, Dwayne Wade, suggested that James was likely just indulging in his love for golf, perhaps practicing indoors, and was not overly concerned with external criticism. James has openly discussed his growing interest in the sport, even mentioning watching golf on YouTube and practicing in his free time.
This incident came at a sensitive time for the Lakers, following recent criticisms from coach JJ Redick about the team's performance struggles. The Christmas Day game ended in a clear victory for the Houston Rockets, compounding a difficult day for the franchise and its iconic player.
The episode highlights the intense scrutiny faced by global sports icons, where even minor, possibly unintentional actions can be magnified and interpreted as a slight against national sentiment. The debate continues online, split between those who see a disrespectful act and those who see an innocent moment taken out of context.
