LeBron James slammed for casual entrance and being seated during national anthem at son's basketball game

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is receiving widespread criticism from fans for his laid-back entrance into a basketball arena and his decision to sit during the National Anthem. 

Fans are branding James' behavior as a "fatherhood fail", expressing concerns that the basketball star might be inadvertently teaching his daughter that it's acceptable to show disrespect towards the National Anthem.

The father of three and his wife Savannah recently celebrated the ninth birthday of their daughter, Zhuri Nova, on October 22.

To honor her special day, the James family shared heartfelt birthday messages on Instagram, affectionately referring to her as "My princess," per People.

LeBron James slammed for casual behavior during National Anthem

LeBron James came under fire on Tuesday for his manner of entering the Galen Center to watch his son, Bronny's, debut collegiate game after his summer cardiac arrest, per Fox News.

A video posted by Luca Evans, a reporter for the Orange County Register, on platform X showed James entering the arena with his younger son Bryce and two teammates from Sierra Canyon High School while the national anthem was playing.

Users on platform X observed that James took his seat immediately as "The Star-Spangled Banner" echoed through the speakers, and did not remove his hat - a customary act of respect during the national anthem.

He seemingly only stood up towards the end of the anthem.

LeBron James faces backlash

James faced immediate backlash for allegedly showing "zero respect" for the US and for supposedly disliking the country because he didn't stand for the anthem.

"LeBron James casually walks into the basketball arena while the National Anthem is playing and takes a seat. Zero respect for the country that gave him the opportunity to be a basketball star," Internet personality Collin Rugg said on X.

"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. Shameful," he added. 

"If it was China he would stand," another user replied. 

"LeBron James is also teaching his daughter that it’s ok to disrespect the National Anthem. Fatherhood Fail," noted another. 

One person penned, "He’s disgusting!" another user wrote, "Not my role model."

"This man has shown nothing but disrespect for years. You put him beside a real Goat and it's night and day. I'm saying in all aspects of one's life this man is an embarrassment. No class...." stated another.

"LeBron James clearly shows a lack of patriotism by not standing for the National Anthem. Disappointing to see such a talented athlete disregard their country's values," noted another person.

Luca Evans defended against the criticism

As the video gained traction, Evans defended against the criticism. 

"As the reporter who took this video, this is gross and completely mischaracterizes the situation," Evans said on X.

"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."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.