LeBron James claims players unbothered over Donald Trump's decision to avoid watching NBA

US President Donald Trump has been vocal about t supporting athletes who kneel during national anm during a game. During a recent interview with Fox News, he reiterated his views on matter, stating that it was "disgraceful" that NBA players were choosing to kneel. In response to those comments, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said that NBA player is bored by Trump's decision to t watch NBA anymore. 

Also re | LeBron James shows up in new Liverpool gear ahe of OKC Thunder game

Donald Trump's views on NBA players kneeling during national anm

Trump referred to players' actions as "disgraceful", saying that y work with NBA and it is t "acceptable" to him that y choose to kneel. He ded that when he sees players kneel, he turns off game since he is longer interested. He proceeded to talk more about black community and claimed he has done a lot for community. “When I see people kneeling during playing and disrespecting our flag and disrespecting our national anm, what I do, personally, is turn off game. And ratings for basketball are way down if you kw," Trump stated. He ded that he is okay with losing election if he is wrong, but he will always stand for country and its flag. 

Also re | LeBron James NBA's GOAT, t Michael Jordan: Allen Iverson makes controversial claim

LeBron on Trump and his decision to t watch NBA games

Following Lakers' 105-86 loss over Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James spoke to reporters about Trump's comments. He asked m if y were trying to make him laugh and said that players are t s over his decision. “I really don’t think basketball community are s about losing his viewership, him viewing game. And that’s all I got to say.” 

When asked on his views regarding Trump's comments about NBA ratings, James spoke about NBA having fans from all around world who y try to give back to. James explained that y are trying to give back to game and people by ackwledging what's right and wrong. "And I hope everyone, matter race, matter colour, matter size, will see what leership that we have at top in our country and understand that vember is right around corner and it’s a big moment for us as Americans," James explained. 

Also re | LeBron James' Taco Tuesday trition continues to uplift mood of Lakers stars in bubble

NBA ratings see a healthy spike

As per reports, ratings have spiked since season's restart. TNT's ratings doubled during NBA's opening night doubleheer. However, reports also point out that overall ratings may have reduced due to athletes supporting Black Lives Matter movement. After players, coaches, or staff members and officials took a knee during national anm prior to games, fans took to social media to express ir anger over situation. Many asked to boycott NBA and MLB as y found kneeling disrespectful and also promoting a 'political nda', asking leagues to stick to game only.

LA Lakers-LA Clippers game garnered a 3.4 million audience, while New Orleans Pelicans-Utah Jazz game brought in viewership of 2.1 million. However, following Boston Celtics-Milwaukee Bucks game brought in only 1.3 million viewers. While numbers are higher than what y have been, y are lower than what was predicted. 

Also re | LeBron James is a 'penny-pincher' despite whopping $480 million net worth

(Im source: AP)