Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James’ habit of swaying and appearing to practice his golf swing during the national anthem has drawn significant attention this season, with even the president of the United States weighing in.
Now, a former NBA player is making his feelings known, and let’s just say he’s not super fond of it.
Former point guard Jason Williams — who spent 12 seasons in the league with the Grizzlies, Kings, Heat and Magic — co-hosts Bartsool Sports’ “Hoopin’ N Hollerin'” podcast. The topic of James’ anthem habits came up on the most recent episode, and he didn’t hold back.
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“I do,” Williams told his co-host Adam Ferrone when asked if he had thoughts on the issue. “I think motherf—ers should just stand the f— still during the national anthem. That’s just my opinion.”
Fair enough.
LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers stands for the national anthem before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Williams did, however, note that he didn’t personally care about what LeBron was doing, but did once again note that he wished the NBA great would stand still.
“You’re supposed to stand still!” he continued. “Look, they’re all dressed the same. He’s dressed different. Guaranteed he got fined because you’re all supposed to be dressed the same. You’re supposed to be standing still. When I played, that was the rules. They could’ve changed the s— now, but I guarantee he got fined.”
Jason Williams played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Grizzlies, Kings, Heat, and Magic. (Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
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It’s important to note the NBA has not levied any fines against James for his mid-anthem warm-ups.
However, Williams and President Donald Trump are not the only ones to criticize James.
NBA legend and “Inside the NBA” co-host Charles Barkley also ripped him for not standing still during the anthem.
