LeBron James recently decided to take a break from social media, which has led to significant discussion in the sports world. The Los Angeles Lakers star, now in his 22nd NBA season, decided after Kevin Durant’s manager, Rich Kleiman, posted about the negativity and clickbait that dominates sports media today.
James agreed with Kleiman, posting, “AMEN!!” before announcing, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.” LeBron has taken breaks from social media before, especially during stressful times like the NBA playoffs, and this latest move is partly in response to concerns about how the media affects athletes.
However, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith quickly criticized LeBron’s decision. He argued that some athletes, including LeBron, often expect only praise and are not open to honest criticism. On First Take, Smith said, “You’ve got a lot of people out there that literally will pass gas and want you to say it’s perfume, literally, in today’s sports world. And that’s where it becomes a bit egregious.”
Stephen A. Smith on LeBron James and Rich Kleiman's issues with the media: "You've got a lot of people out there that literally will pass gas and want you to say it's perfume, literally, in today's sports world. And that's where it becomes a bit egregious." pic.twitter.com/RVXyDxe1dB
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Smith felt that LeBron’s response to the media was too passive-aggressive, especially regarding the pressure athletes face to maintain a perfect image. He believes many athletes want media coverage always to highlight the positive, even when their performance or decisions might deserve honest critique. “There are folks who will want you to avoid even talking about the game in a negative fashion because they’re of this mindset that it would protect their brand,” Smith added.
Controversy Surrounds LeBron James’ Social Media Break
Smith stirred up controversy by discussing LeBron’s possible retirement on social media. Fans quickly expressed their frustration on social media, with one fan remarking, “The panel looking at Stephen A like he’s lost his mind.” Smith, known to many for his contentious views, has been the target of backlash, particularly for a public dispute with Zion Williamson, in which the New Orleans Pelicans ridiculed his past as a player.
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With all the drama, even longtime Smith nemesis Skip Bayless couldn’t avoid getting roasted by fans. One such fan went so far as to call both Smith and Bayless “the fathers of current sports negativity” before noting the irony of them struggling with backlash in the first place. Both have certainly pulled no punches in their critiques of LeBron, though Bayless has been more critical of LeBron’s performances in clutch moments. He famously dubbed James’ missed game-winning shots “LeBricks,” questioning the belief in LeBron’s ability to seal the deal.
