NBA

LeBron James Says He’s Taking Social Media Break, Cites ‘Negativity’ Online

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a dedicated sportswriter. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Published20 Nov 2024

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James announced Wednesday that he’s taking a break from social media. James, a 22-year veteran and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, said on Instagram and X that he’s stepping away from posting new messages for the time being.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James ed Instagram in January 2012, created his X in March 2009

James, who turns 40 on Dec. 30, has 159 million followers on Instagram, 2,665 posts, and 438 s following. The 20-time All-Star also has 52.9 million followers on X, 9,442 posts, and 182 s following. James started the farewell by reposting a message that Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant’s longtime manager, posted to X on Oct. 24.

“We can all acknowledge that sports is the last part of society that universally brings people together. So why can’t the coverage do the same?” Kleiman wrote that day.

“It’s only click bait when you say it. When the platform is so big, you can make the change and allow us all an escape from real life negativity. I for one find it all a waste of breath.”

James said “everybody on the internet” called him a liar when he said he was watching Dalton Knecht’s college games last year

On Instagram, James then posted a screengrab of Kleiman’s post and added the caption, “Amen!!” and then below it wrote, “Damn shame what it’s come to!” On X, his repost of Kleiman simply said, “AMEN!!”

“And with that said I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care,” James posted on X, followed by emojis of a hand holding up two fingers as a way of saying “peace out” and a crown, symbolizing his “King James” moniker.

However, James’ latest social media posts raise more questions than answers.

His announcement comes one day after he said “everybody on the internet called me a liar all the time” when he said he was watching Dalton Knecht’s college games last year at Tennessee. It was apparently long before the Lakers drafted the 2024 SEC Player of the Year.

This is not the first time James has taken a break from social media.

Throughout much of his career, he would activate “Zero Dark thirty-23,” a time when he would get off social media ahead of the NBA playoffs to focus on winning a championship.

His social media rule is going into effect much earlier this season.

The Lakers (10-4) are currently on a six-game win streak. L.A. hosts the Orlando Magic on Thursday.