LeBron James has described Donald Trump as a “bum” after the president rescinded an invite for Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry.

Trump said on Saturday that Curry is no longer invited to the White House because of what the president called hesitation by the two-time NBA MVP in deciding whether to make the traditional champions' trip to Washington. Trump's comment on Curry came one day after the president told NFL owners to fire players who won't stand for the national anthem.

"Going to the White House is considered a great honour for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!" Trump wrote from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

The Warriors, who hold their first practice of the season Saturday, had not made a collective decision whether to go to the White House in celebration of last season's title. Curry has said he did not want to make such a visit.

"By acting and not going, hopefully that will inspire some change when it comes to what we tolerate in this country and what is accepted and what we turn a blind eye to," Curry said Friday at the Warriors' media day. "It's not just the act of not going. There are things you have to do on the back end to actually push that message into motion."

The Warriors were expected to comment later on Saturday after their opening practice. Other athletes weighed in quickly, including James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.