NBA Commentator Highlights Jokic and Murray’s Actions During National Anthem Amid Call to Fine Lebron

LeBron James' pregame actions during the national anthem have quickly become one of the NBA's first major talking points of the 2026-27 season. While some critics have argued the Lakers star deserves punishment, not everyone believes the reaction has been consistent.

One former NBA player and current broadcaster believes a different question should be asked altogether. If LeBron's actions warrant scrutiny, why didn't similar behavior from other NBA stars draw the same response? That was the point Phoenix Suns commentator Eddie A. Johnson raised when he shared a video featuring Denver Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray stretching during the national anthem.

“Is the national anthem playing? Asking for a friend!” Johnson wrote on X.

Johnson's post came days after LeBron was criticized for mimicking a golf swing and taking practice shots while the national anthem played before the Philadelphia 76ers-Cleveland Cavaliers game.

Among LeBron's critics was former NBA star Jason Williams, who did not hesitate when asked whether James deserved to be fined.

During a recent episode of the Hoopin' N Hollerin' podcast, Williams was asked if he considered LeBron's behavior serious enough to warrant league discipline.

“I do,” Williams said. “I think (people) just (should) stand still during the National Anthem. That's just my opinion.”

Williams continued by arguing that players are expected to follow established pregame standards.

“I bet he got fined for that too. Look, they're all dressed the same; he dressed differently. Because you're all supposed to be dressed the same, you're supposed to be standing still. No matter what I played, those are the rules. They could change it now. But I guarantee he got fined.”

He also questioned why James appeared unwilling to follow what he viewed as basic expectations surrounding the anthem.

“Why aren't you standing for the National Anthem? Why aren't you taking your hat off for the National Anthem? I don't get this.”

Johnson's response focused less on defending LeBron's behavior and more on questioning whether similar standards were being applied across the league.

Jokic and Murray appeared to receive little public criticism after being seen stretching during the anthem. LeBron's actions, meanwhile, quickly became a national topic and generated calls for discipline.

That contrast led Johnson to raise the possibility that different players are being judged differently for similar conduct.

The conversation becomes even more complicated because of the players involved. Jokic represents Serbia internationally, while Murray represents Canada. LeBron, meanwhile, is one of the NBA's most visible American athletes.

Whether nationality should matter is debatable, but Johnson's underlying question remains the same: if respect for the anthem is the standard being applied, should that standard not be applied equally to everyone?

That is ultimately where the debate now stands.

Supporters of Williams' position argue that players should remain still and respectful throughout the anthem regardless of circumstance. Johnson's argument, meanwhile, centers on consistency, questioning why one player's actions became a controversy while similar behavior from others generated little reaction.

And until the league offers any official clarification or disciplinary action, discussions about double standards, player treatment, and what constitutes disrespect during the national anthem are likely to continue.