LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star, has decided to step back from social media. With 159 million followers on Instagram and 52.9 million on X (formerly Twitter), the “King” announced on Wednesday that he would be taking a temporary break from these platforms, leaving fans surprised.

LeBron’s decision comes after reflecting on the impact of social media on sports coverage and the constant scrutiny he faces. On Instagram, he shared a screenshot of a post by Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant's agent, which criticized the negative focus of digital media. "It’s a shame what it has become," James wrote in his post, echoing the call for a shift in how sports are portrayed in the digital world.

The Trigger: "Everyone Calls Me a Liar"

LeBron’s announcement follows a recent incident where he faced criticism over a comment about college player Dalton Knecht. James stated he had closely followed Knecht’s games before the Lakers drafted the guard, but his words quickly sparked accusations of dishonesty on social media.

In response, LeBron decided to step away, closing his message on X with a firm: “I’m stepping away from social media for now! Take care, everyone.” He accompanied the post with emojis symbolizing a farewell and a crown, a nod to his nickname, "King James."

A Break Amid Success on the Court

As he approaches his 40th birthday, LeBron remains a dominant force in the NBA. The Lakers, boasting a 10-4 record, are riding a six-game winning streak and are in excellent form. Their next challenge will be at home against Orlando on Thursday. While his absence on social media will be felt, his leadership on the court remains unwavering.

This digital hiatus marks a reflective moment for one of the world’s most influential athletes, known not only for his sporting achievements but also for his cultural and media impact.