LeBron James Announces Social Media Hiatus Amid Ongoing Media Negativity

LeBron James has announced that he is stepping away from social media for the time being.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star shared the news on both X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram on Wednesday, telling followers he would be taking a break from his accounts. James has 159 million followers on Instagram and 52.9 million on X.

James’ decision to step back came after he reposted a message from Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant’s longtime manager, originally shared on October 24. Kleiman had written: “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? It’s only clickbait 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.”

In response, James shared a screenshot of Kleiman's post on Instagram with the caption, “Damn shame what it’s come to,” while on X, he simply added, “AMEN!!”

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

Since his October 24 post, Kleiman has only shared a few updates, and it seems James is planning to keep his social media presence to a minimum — or possibly none at all — for the time being.

James’ announcement came just a day after he addressed claims of being called a liar online. He had previously said he watched Dalton Knecht’s college games at Tennessee last year, well before the Lakers drafted the sharpshooting guard. “Everybody on the internet called me a liar all the time,” James said.

In his post, James wrote, “And with that said I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care,” followed by emojis of a hand holding up two fingers — often signaling departure — and a crown, referencing his "King James" nickname.

James, the NBA’s oldest active player at 39 (turning 40 next month), is a four-time NBA champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist, with his most recent gold coming at the 2024 Paris Games.

The Lakers are currently 10-4, riding a six-game winning streak, and will play the Orlando Magic at home on Thursday.