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Lakers' LeBron James Says He's 'Getting off Social Media' amid Media Negativity

Andrew PetersNovember 20, 2024

B/R

LeBron James is disconnecting from the social media world for a while.

The Los Angeles Lakers star reposted a post from Kevin Durant's agent, Rich Kleiman, detailing how the NBA media has shifted to covering the sport through "negative takes."

Kleiman's post specifically noted James and Lakers' head coach JJ Redick's podcast as "the future of what his can and should all be." James then said he's "getting off social media for the time being."

LeBron James @KingJames

AMEN!! <a href="https://twitter.com/richkleiman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@richkleiman</a> 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/OZr9e1CVbY">pic.twitter.com/OZr9e1CVbY</a>

LeBron James @KingJames

And with that said I'll holla at y'all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y'all take care ✌🏾👑

James is accustomed to taking a break from social media. For much of his career, he activated "Zero Dark thirty-23," a time when he would get off social media ahead of the NBA playoffs to focus on winning a championship.

LeBron James @KingJames

Zero dark thirty-23 activated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StriveForGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StriveForGreatness</a>

His social media break is coming much earlier this year, but it could be a good move as he prepares for the long season ahead.

James, in his 22nd season in the NBA, is off to a solid start, putting up 23.5 points, 9.4 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game, a stat line that seems impossible for a player who will turn 40 next month.

Behind James' strong play, the Lakers have started the year 10-4 and have won six consecutive games, most recently against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.

After last year's first-round exit, Los Angeles seems poised for a big season as James looks to continue adding to his extensive resume. Along with outstanding play from James, Anthony Davis is performing at an MVP level, putting up 30.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.

The Lakers have also gotten solid production out of role players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht, who dropped a career-high 37 points in Tuesday's win.

Plenty can happen between now and the playoffs, but the Lakers look like a team ready to compete for a championship. James is clearly wanting to stay locked in on that goal after getting off social media.