Trump hits back at LeBron James over racial division comments

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US President Donald Trump sniped back at NBA great LeBron James late Friday, days after the basketball player and philanthropist accused him of fueling racial divides in the United States.

"Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, (CNN presenter) Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn't easy to do," the president tweeted of the Los Angeles Lakers player.

In an interview on Tuesday, also broadcast late Friday, James told CNN he believed Trump "is kind of trying to divide us."

Screenshot of Trump's tweet

"He's kind of used sport to... divide us and that's something I can't relate to, because I know that sport was the first time I ever was around someone white. You know?" said James, who on Monday opened an elementary school for at-risk youth in his native Akron, Ohio.

James, who ranks seventh in career NBA scoring, also told CNN Tuesday he would "never sit across" from Trump, whom he accuses of emboldening racists.

"I think (racism's) always been there. But I think the president in charge now has given people – they don't care now, they throw it to your face," he said.

That echoed comments he made in January that Trump had "given people and racism... an opportunity to be out and outspoken without fear."

In this file photo taken on February 18, 2018, LeBron James stands on the court during the 2018 NBA All-Star Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. /VCG Photo‍

Indeed, this week's exchange is just the latest in a long-running feud between James and the president.

In June, Trump said that neither the Cleveland Cavaliers, James' previous team, nor the Golden State Warriors would be invited to the White House following the NBA Finals.

He was responding to remarks by then-Cavs star James and Warriors ace Stephen Curry, who both said they would not attend a White House reception.

Last year, Trump also withdrew an invitation to the NBA champion Warriors after Curry and several teammates indicated misgivings about attending a White House event.

James described Trump as a "bum" following the furor.

Jordan, Melania back James

NBA legend Michael Jordan and US athletes rallied to LeBron James' defense on Saturday after Trump questioned the star player's intelligence in a tweet.

Michael Jordan /VCG Photo

"I support LJ. He’s doing an amazing job for his community,” Jordan, now owner of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, told NBC News through a spokesperson.

Even the president's wife was supportive of James' work with children.

"It looks like LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation and just as she always has, the First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today," Melania Trump said in a statement issued by her spokeswoman.

"We got your back @KingJames Someone sure sound like they wish they was you.", tweeted linebacker Bobby Wagner of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns added in a tweet: "So let me get this straight: Flint, MI has dirty water still, but you worried about an interview about a man doing good for education and generations of kids in his hometown?"

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters