NBA icon LeBron James announced an indefinite hiatus from social media on Wednesday, citing frustration with what he described as pervasive negativity in sports coverage.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, who boasts a massive following of 212 million across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), made the announcement after sharing a post by Rich Kleiman, the agent of fellow NBA superstar Kevin Durant.
“With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of the national sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes,” Kleiman wrote on X. LeBron shared the post with a single-word comment: “AMEN!!”
Shortly after, the 39-year-old confirmed his break from social media. “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care,” he wrote.
Not His First Break
LeBron, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has taken social media breaks before, often to focus on his game. However, this time, the decision appears linked to growing dissatisfaction with online criticism and media narratives.
On Tuesday, after the Lakers’ victory over the Utah Jazz, James addressed skepticism about his honesty. The remarks came in the wake of an explosive 37-point performance by rookie Dalton Knecht.
“I’ve been said it. I watched him. I watched Tennessee a lot,” LeBron explained, referencing Knecht’s college career. “Everybody on the internet calls me a liar all the time. They say I lie about everything. So what am I now?”
History of Social Media Influence
LeBron’s social media presence has long been a platform for advocacy, celebration, and fan engagement. His break has left fans divided, with some supporting his need for peace and others lamenting his absence from their timelines.
While it remains unclear how long James will stay offline, his decision serves as a statement against negativity in sports culture and the pressures of fame.