NBA star LeBron James announced he is stepping away from social media “for the time being,” sharing his frustrations with negative coverage in the sports media.

Image Credit: © Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) points up while kneeling next to Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel (R) during the national anthem prior to game five of the second round against the Houston Rockets in the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The announcement, which James posted on Instagram, was accompanied by a message supporting a statement made by sports agent Rich Kleiman.

James informed his followers of the hiatus with a post that read, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.”

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The announcement followed his endorsement of Kleiman’s remarks criticizing the sports media for its focus on “negative takes.”

Rich Kleiman, best known as NBA star Kevin Durant’s agent, posted his comments earlier, lamenting the prevalence of negativity in sports reporting. “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.

James’s comment of “Amen” suggested strong agreement with Kleiman’s viewpoint.

Kleiman’s post called for a shift in how sports are covered, advocating for a more positive approach that reflects the unifying power of sports. “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 asked.

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The agent added that large platforms have the ability to promote positivity in sports coverage, which he believes could serve as an escape from “real-life negativity.”

He cited examples like Olympic events and projects involving former NBA player JJ Redick and James himself as models for the future of sports media.

Before announcing his social media break, James had already voiced frustrations about critics on the platform.

In a post earlier this week, he defended University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and the team’s success under Sanders’s leadership.

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“I don’t hear non of those @CUBuffsFootball @DeionSanders HATERS being up front and loud! They’re in hiding now!” James wrote. “Coach Prime said ‘We Coming.’ Well it’s ‘We Here’ now. Love what’s going on there in Boulder.”

James has previously used social media to engage with fans, address critics, and share opinions on a range of topics.

His decision to step away temporarily comes as he prepares for the upcoming NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Social media users proceeded to roast James...

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