Trump Calls LeBron James 'Maybe He's a Racist' After NBA Star's Reported 76ers Move

President Donald Trump reignited his years-long public feud with LeBron James on Friday, suggesting the NBA superstar was "maybe... a racist" after being asked whether James or Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. The remarks came just hours after James announced he was joining the Philadelphia 76ers for what he described as the final move of his NBA career. Speaking during a White House press conference, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked Trump to weigh in on the long-running Jordan-versus-James debate following the blockbuster 76ers announcement. Rather than limiting his response to basketball, Trump praised Jordan before taking a swipe at James. "Michael Jordan is a guy that's a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He's a really good guy," Trump said. "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." The latest comments add another chapter to the contentious relationship between Trump and James, who has repeatedly criticized the president over the years and endorsed Trump's Democratic opponents in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. Their public disagreements date back to 2017, when Trump rescinded the Golden State Warriors' White House invitation after Stephen Curry indicated he would not attend, prompting James to publicly criticize the decision. Trump's remarks also came on the same day James confirmed he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending months of speculation about whether he would retire or continue playing. The 41-year-old four-time NBA champion said the decision was driven by his desire to compete for another title rather than financial considerations. "I still truly love this game, and I have more to give," James wrote in announcing his move. "This is my last decision. I'm not going for money. I'm not going for family." James' move to Philadelphia is one of the biggest stories of the NBA offseason, as he joins a 76ers team seeking its first NBA championship since 1983. The announcement quickly shifted attention across the sports world before Trump's comments injected politics into the conversation. As of Saturday, James had not publicly responded to Trump's latest remarks. Representatives for the NBA star also declined immediate comment to multiple U.S. media outlets. The relationship between one of basketball's biggest stars and the U.S. president remains a recurring flashpoint, even as James begins what he says will be the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career.