Philadelphia 76ers

Donald Trump is calling a technical foul on LeBron James ... ripping the NBA superstar as a "total disgrace" for practicing his golf swing during the National Anthem.

Trump went off on the athlete in a Truth Social post Thursday, writing ... "While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE."

POTUS is responding to a clip from Tuesday night's NBA opener between LeBron's Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks ... the Sixers are lined up for the anthem, but LBJ is hardly standing still or bowing his head.

LeBron James is putting his foot down with courtside New York Knicks fans over their jeers -- ranging from his helicopter rides to his Midwest roots -- and you know things are heated when Spike Lee is trying to keep the peace.

At one point, the newest Sixers superstar responded to a fan who said New Yorkers wouldn't be rooting for him just because LeBron is living in NYC and helicoptering to Philly for his team's home games.

We reported earlier, King James has been taking 45-minute chopper rides as he travels back and forth.

In the videos from last night -- which saw the 76ers beat the reigning champs 106-100 -- LeBron's seen jawing at a fan, before Spike gets to his feet in a badass pinstriped orange suit.

In another clip ... LeBron James shouted at a fan ... "Ain't nothing soft in the Midwest. I don't know what the f*** you talking about. I'm not from the West Coast, I’m from Ohio, baby."

However, it seems that this civil dispute in King James' court was resolved after LeBron was seen high-fiving someone courtside in one of the clips.

Bron set the record straight after the W ... saying that the back-and-forth didn't spoil the evening.

"I wouldn't say that.," James said. "It was a great night for New York fans. Fifty-plus years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn't won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment."

LeBron James is proving his helicopter commute from Philadelphia to NYC is a breeze ... after the 76ers superstar wrapped up a major first milestone with his new team.

LeBron -- who is splitting time between NYC and Philly -- had just finished his first scrimmage with the 76ers on Saturday ... before taking the roughly 45-minute commute to New York.

The scrimmage, held in front of 10,000 fans at a sold-out Xfinity Mobile Arena, was a success, according to LBJ.

Julius Erving is giving the new-look Philadelphia 76ers a big thumbs-up ... but Dr. J's not ready to crown them champs just yet!

The Hall of Famer spoke to TMZ Sports this week and said he's all-in on the stacked squad ... but winning isn't just about accumulating All-Stars.

"What I've been doing is just pretty much giving the deal a thumbs up. Jaylen Brown, deal, thumbs up," Erving told us, ticking off some of the blockbuster off-season moves.

"They're gonna be one of the most talented teams."

But there's a catch.

The Return of the King goes down on Christmas Day this NBA season ... so how should Lakers fans treat LeBron James after he bolted for the Sixers??

If ya ask Magic Johnson, he says hold the boos -- show the four-time champion some love!!

TMZ Sports caught up with the Hall of Famer and Lakers legend outside "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Tuesday ... and had to get his thoughts on the big matchup going down on December 25.

LeBron James bypassed a reunion with his hometown team for a new opportunity with the 76ers ... so how should Cavaliers fans feel about the rejection?? Ex-NBA star and Cleveland native Charles Oakley says they should GET OVER IT!!

TMZ Sports caught up with Oak at the 17th Annual Amazon Kids Back-to-School Fashion Show in NYC on Thursday ... and asked him all about the 41-year-old King's latest decision to join a fourth franchise.

The Knicks great shut down any criticism about James heading to the City of Brotherly Love in pursuit of more rings ... saying what he's doing this late in his career should be admired -- and he's still a role model to young kids.

Before LeBron James wins a ring, he could be in one in Philadelphia ... 'cause King James just got a special invite from TNA star Nic Nemeth, as the wrestling promotion pulls up to the City of Brotherly Love!

TNA is formally asking the new Philadelphia 76ers superstar to be the Official Title Holder for Thursday night's World Championship match between Nemeth and Jeff Hardy on the Temple University campus.

The plan is simple ... Bron shows up ringside and puts the belt on the champ after the match.

LeBron James will be getting some royal treatment from a couple of iconic Philly spots ... with a pair of cheesesteak pads promising to roll out the cheese whiz-colored carpet for King James ... now that he's joining the city's NBA team.

Over at the iconic Pat’s King of Steaks, they're temporarily changing up how their customers order their fan-beloved Whiz Wit to reflect the new king in town, naming it "The King’s Way." The OG Whiz Wit will keep its classic ingredients: cheese Whiz with onions on juicy steak ... so no worries, there.

Frank Olivieri, third-generation owner of Pat's tells TMZ... “Everyone knows there’s only one way to order the classic, and now there’s a new way to say it. When you come to the window and ask for The King’s Way, we’ll know exactly what you mean.”

Meanwhile, Geno's Steaks has promised a meal fit for King James in the establishment's coveted VIP booth ... as well as a lesson with Geno himself on how to grill up some of the finest cheesesteaks the City of Brotherly Love has to offer.

President Geno Vento tells TMZ... "Our VIP booth – the hardest seat in Philadelphia to get – already has LeBron's name on it. Whenever he's ready, we'll welcome him with a cheesesteak, hand him the spatula, and even let him spend some time behind the grill for a little cheesesteak 101 with me personally. Every Philadelphia legend has a story at Geno's, and we'd love for LeBron's to begin here."

Now that LeBron James is heading to Philly, should Bronny follow his pops?? Devean George tells TMZ Sports he's against the idea ... 'cause now's the time to see what the young hooper can do on his own.

We caught up with the three-peat Lakers alum this week -- prior to the King's shocking 76ers announcement -- and asked about the Bronny situation with No. 23 no longer on the squad.

He said if the Lakers really feel like Bronny is an asset, they should prove it by putting him out on the court.

LeBron James is now a Philadelphia 76er ... but President Donald Trump believes he's "maybe" more of a racist.

The Commander in Chief made the shocking claim about the face of the NBA right from the Oval Office on Friday ... when well-known White House reporter Peter Doocy asked for his stance on the greatest G.O.A.T. debate in sports -- Michael Jordan or LeBron James??

Trump's answer had nothing to do with rings, points, or even talent for that matter ... but one thing in particular that doesn't show up on any box score -- friendship.

"Well, Michael Jordan's a guy that's a friend of mine. Play golf with him. He's a really good guy."

Then came his take on LeBron James the person.

LeBron James has made his decision -- he's joining the Philadelphia 76ers.

The announcement came down on Friday via X ... with James explaining why he's going to the City of Brotherly Love after initially contemplating retirement.

"I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game," James said seconds ago. "I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give."

It sure seems like LeBron James was going to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers all along ... 'cause the King's comments from last week are resurfacing on Friday -- and it couldn't have been more obvious.

James made a number of podcast appearances during Fanatics Fest in NYC ... and during a live episode of "Mind The Game," his guest co-host Tyrese Haliburton had an interesting way to ask a question about his career.

"What are you going on, year 76??" Hali asked. The four-time champion joked it was more like year 79 ... and the two continued with the chat. Chances are Haliburton was in the know prior to taking the stage, as James even admitted they addressed the topic beforehand.

LeBron James still has the NBA in a holding pattern as he ponders his next move ... but Paul Pierce tells TMZ Sports the answer is simple -- go home!

The rumor mill is still swirling weeks after the 4x NBA champ parted ways with the Lakers and it seems as if The King has narrowed down his next kingdom to the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and of course, his old team (twice removed), the Cleveland Cavaliers.

We chopped it up with The Truth at Derek Fisher's 3rd Annual Be Better Foundation Celebrity Golf tourney, and asked him where he would like to see LeBron go.

Jaylen Brown is speaking out on getting shipped to the Philadelphia 76ers ... and he seemingly took a shot at the Boston Celtics in the process.

The 2024 NBA Finals MVP released a statement on Thursday ... admitting he's still trying to wrap his head around what just happened.

Brown was traded on Wednesday in exchange for Paul George and draft picks ... a transaction that's being viewed as pretty one-sided and a steal for the Sixers.

Philadelphia 76ers hooper V.J. Edgecombe put it all on the line Sunday night ... 'cause at one point in the game, he dove head-first into the stands to keep a ball in play ... but he accidentally kicked a woman right in the kisser in the process.

It all went down as the 76ers were taking on the Boston Celtics in Beantown. As Edgecombe attempted to save the rock from going out of bounds, he launched into the fans sitting courtside, with his left foot catching a poor woman as he flew over her.

The 20-year-old was quick to check in on the lady, with cameras catching the two embracing before he made his way back to the floor. While the woman seemed to be taking it in stride, she did have a mark left on the right side from the shoe.