LeBron James has joined the Philadelphia 76ers after spending eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and US President Donald Trump has taken a swipe at the NBA legend, suggesting he may be a ‘racist’
US President Donald Trump has branded LeBron James a potential “racist” after being quizzed about who he considers the greatest basketball player of all time.
James confirmed on Friday that he is joining the Philadelphia 76ers following eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 41 year old has claimed four NBA titles throughout his career and is preparing to compete in his 24th season.
Trump was pressed for his verdict on whether James or Michael Jordan – who secured six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls – deserved the title of “best ever” player at a press conference.
He responded: “Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy.
“I think LeBron is, maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”
James is yet to respond to Trump’s remarks.
Trump also weighed in on the penalty Bryson DeChambeau received during this month’s Open, describing it as a “tough call”.
DeChambeau was docked a two-shot penalty after officials reviewed video footage, ruling that he had improved his backswing area by flattening long grass on the fifth hole. The Press Association understands the two-time major champion had sought to bring Trump into the dispute while in talks with officials.
The president waded into yet another sporting controversy when he called on FIFA to “review” the red card handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup.
Balogun was dismissed during the last-32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, however the one-match ban was suspended for a year, enabling the Monaco striker to take part in the last-16 encounter against Belgium, which the US went on to lose 4-1.
Trump was also quizzed at the press conference on whether there was a “precedent” for someone in his position becoming a “fixer” for athletes.
“I thought the Bryson call was a tough call,” Trump said.
“I saw him walking around, I see a lot of people, they’re walking around looking for their ball in weeds, but I’ve been watching that. I thought it was a tough call against him.
“I thought the red card was a very tough call and it worked out brilliantly. Look, supposing that they didn’t let him play and we lost, everyone would have been angry.
“The way it was that they lost with their best player, now everyone’s happy, including Belgium – but of course they lost their next game so they’re not that happy.
“It worked out great. Gianni (Infantino) did a good job in making that call. All I did, I asked for a review, I thought that call was not a good call.”
