Spike Lee Tries to Ruin Deni Avdija's Big Night
Spike Lee's Palestinian Flag Attire Sparks Outrage at NBA All-Star Game Amid Israeli Player's Debut
Renowned filmmaker and avid basketball fan Spike Lee ignited a firestorm of controversy during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend by donning attire featuring the colors and patterns of the Palestinian flag while Israeli-born player Deni Avdija made his historic All-Star debut.
The incident unfolded at the Intuit Dome over the February 13-15 events, drawing sharp reactions from fans and commentators who viewed Lee's choice as a provocative statement amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
Lee, a fixture at NBA games known for his bold fashion and "activism:, appeared courtside wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh-patterned jumper and a crossbody bag with straps in red, black, white, and green, the colors of the Palestinian flag. This occurred during All-Star Saturday Night and the main game on Sunday, where the league showcased a revamped format pitting Team USA Stars against Team USA Stripes.
While Lee did not publicly explain his outfit, it coincided with other expressions of "solidarity", such as Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving wearing a "Press" shirt in support of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza.
The backlash intensified due to the presence of Deni Avdija, the Portland Trail Blazers forward who became the first Israeli-born player to participate in the All-Star festivities. Avdija, drafted ninth overall in 2020, represented Team World in the Rising Stars Challenge and has openly discussed his pride in his Israeli heritage, including his non-combat service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a fitness instructor.
Social media erupted with posts condemning Lee's attire as insensitive, with one viral X post calling him a "disgusting scumbag" for wearing symbols associated with groups that "massacred 1,200 Jews" in reference to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Pro-Israel voices framed it as an affront to Avdija's milestone, symbolizing broader anti-Israel sentiment in cultural spaces.
No direct interaction between Lee and Avdija was reported, and the NBA has not issued an official statement on the matter.