United States President Donald Trump has criticised NBA superstar LeBron James over what he described as disrespectful behaviour during the playing of the US national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks.

Trump made the criticism on Thursday after sharing a video showing James carrying out apparent warm-up movements while standing with his Sixers teammates before Tuesday’s game.

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“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE.”

Trump also called on the basketball star to apologise to American soldiers and war heroes.

“LeBron James should apologise to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!” he added.

The video shared by Trump carried an internal caption describing James as “working on his golf swing pregame.” It showed the four-time NBA champion making lateral swing motions and basketball shooting movements.

Trump renewed his criticism later on Thursday during a campaign rally in Iowa, describing James’ actions as “a big scandal kind of a story.”

James, however, appeared unfazed by the president’s comments.

Speaking after the Sixers produced a dramatic comeback to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 in Philadelphia, the 41-year-old dismissed the criticism.

“It must be a slow news day at the office,” James said.

The latest exchange is another chapter in the long-running public friction between Trump and James, who have previously clashed over politics, race and the role of athletes in social issues.

Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse also played down the controversy, saying his team had been taught to block out distractions from outside.

“I think that goes right in with other outside noise we’ve already had,” Nurse said.

“I keep saying the same thing. All I really care about is getting to the practice floor, getting them in the film room, getting them to the game floor.”

Nurse praised the focus and commitment shown by his players despite the attention surrounding the team.

James is entering his record-extending 24th NBA season and is playing for his fourth NBA team.

The latest controversy also echoes Trump’s earlier criticism of athletes who protested during the US national anthem.

During his first presidential term, Trump repeatedly attacked former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick after Kaepernick began kneeling during the “Star-Spangled Banner” to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

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James, meanwhile, remains one of the most decorated players in NBA history. He has won four NBA championships and was named Finals MVP in each of those title-winning campaigns.