We begin today’s sports coverage on a sad note. LeBron James has announced that he is leaving social media temporarily, following a post about negative sports coverage.
James, it seems, is Mr. Positivity on the socials.
The Los Angeles Lakers star first posted a screenshot of a lengthy post by NBA agent Rich Kleiman, which lamented how sports journalists tend to cover stories through a lens of negativity.
“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,” Kleiman wrote.
“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. The Olympics and JJ [Redick] and Bron’s show was the future of what this can and should all be.”
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer shared Kleiman’s post and gave it a salute emoji.
AMEN!! @richkleiman 🫡 pic.twitter.com/OZr9e1CVbY
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 20, 2024
LeBron James Says Goodbye To Social Media
LeBron followed that post with one in which he made the heartbreaking decision to leave social media. Temporarily. Which he felt the need to announce.
“And with that said I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care,” he said, adding a peace sign emoji in his farewell bid.
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
Some fans on social media felt the dramatics were unnecessary.
“X isn’t an airport,” one woman replied. “Departure announcements aren’t necessary. Just (NSFW message), LeBooty.”
“Oh no. Please don’t go. Whatever will we do?” another asked sarcastically.
One fan simply tried to offer up some last-minute advice before he goes. Wisdom to pass down to Bronny James. Very necessary wisdom.
Give this to Bronny before you go! pic.twitter.com/IBamRLMpaY
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) November 20, 2024
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Has His Own On Social Media
Of course, LeBron James has taken issue in the past with negative media coverage, especially when it pertains to his son, Bronny.
Prior to the Lakers drafting Bronny, having apparently lost a fantasy football bet because there is no other logical explanation, James responded to the news that his kid was not viewed as being close to NBA-ready with a rage post on X.
James himself has posted some pretty negative commentary on social media.
The ‘Chosen One’ famously mocked Kyle Rittenhouse for genuinely sobbing during his trial. Rittenhouse would eventually be acquitted of all felony charges.
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What tears????? I didn’t see one. Man knock it off! That boy ate some lemon heads before walking into court. 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/LKwYssIUmD
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 11, 2021
James was also on the receiving end of criticism when he tweeted a threat at a Columbus, Ohio, police officer following the shooting of Ma’Khia Bryant.
Bryant was shot by the officer as she was to murder another teen with a knife.
“You’re next,” he wrote before deleting the tweet as video surfaced showing the officer actually saved the life of the teenager Bryant was attempting to stab.
If only he had left social media before then. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so negative.
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