LeBron James Takes a Break from Social Media, Defenders Rally Around Him
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has taken a break from social media, sparking a wide range of reactions from fans and celebrities alike. Jemele Hill, a former ESPN employee, defended James’ decision, calling Twitter “largely untenable” and saying that she hopes he deactivates his account.
The debate unfolded in the comments under Hill’s post, with some users criticizing James for not being able to handle criticism on social media. Hill responded by saying that she believes Twitter is full of racists, conspiracy theorists, and jerks, and that users who complain about not wanting to engage with such individuals are just trying to deflect attention.
One user suggested that those who don’t want to engage with uncensored oppositional politics are simply sore losers, prompting Hill to respond that being subjected to constant vitriol is not a badge of honor. She also praised James for providing detailed explanations for his political views, contrasting this with San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa’s lack of explanation for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat in support of President-elect Donald Trump.
James’ decision to take a break from social media came after he shared a post from NBA agent Rich Kleiman, who criticized national sports coverage for its negativity and called for a more positive and uplifting tone. James responded with a simple “AMEN!!” before announcing his own decision to step away from social media.
Despite the controversy, James’ Los Angeles Lakers have been enjoying a hot start to the 2024-2025 season, winning six straight games and sitting third in the Western Conference standings.