LeBron James is stepping back from social media, citing the negativity that has made the platforms increasingly stressful and distracting.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar announced his decision after reposting a screenshot of a message from Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant’s longtime agent and business partner. Kleiman had criticized sports media figures for focusing on negative takes rather than constructive or balanced coverage. LeBron endorsed the sentiment, adding his own agreement.
AMEN!! @richkleiman 🫡 pic.twitter.com/OZr9e1CVbY
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 20, 2024
Shortly after, James followed up with another post declaring his break from social media. While he didn’t specify how long he plans to stay offline, the move echoes similar steps he’s taken in the past, particularly during the NBA playoffs.
And with that said I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care ✌🏾👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 20, 2024
This decision comes just days after LeBron addressed the negativity he faces online following the Lakers’ 124-118 win over the Utah Jazz. During his postgame remarks, James praised rookie teammate Dalton Knecht and addressed those who frequently accuse him of lying on social media.
“Everybody on the internet calls me a liar all the time. They say I lie about every f—ing thing,” James said. He went on to detail how he had followed Knecht’s college career at Tennessee and was surprised the rookie fell to the Lakers in the draft. “I knew exactly what we was getting when he fell to 17.”
LeBron has taken social media breaks before. During the 2018 NBA Playoffs, he enacted “Zero Dark Thirty-23,” a personal social media blackout to help him focus. With his recent posts, it’s clear that negativity and criticism online remain issues he’s choosing to step away from—for now.
Fans and followers will now have to wait to see when LeBron returns to the “World Wide Web,” but his message is clear: sometimes, stepping away is the healthiest move.
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