A farewell message, and just like that, LeBron James disappeared from social media. However, he made sure to cite media toxicity as the reason for his departure, leaving Stephen A. Smith—one of the most affected by it—to defend the profession ever since. This set off a broader debate, with the question arising: Is it problematic for an active player to have a podcast? Jalen Brunson, a podcast host, shared his thoughts on the matter.

The conversation continued on First Take, where Stephen A. Smith clarified that he wasn’t opposed to players entering the media world. In fact, he supported it, as he believed that information coming directly from players makes the job easier, rather than relying on second-hand sources. However, he pointed out, “My issue with the rich climbing at the time and what LeBron James alluded to is when you’re talking about the negativity of the media acting like you ain’t a part of it.” The veteran analyst didn’t shy away from reminding everyone that LeBron has benefited from the media and continues to do so through his various ventures.

“He has used his platform to address and attack others maybe outside of the sports world, sometimes inside of the sport world pertaining to issues that he was passionate about,” Stephen A. added. “Whether it’s Spring Hill, whether it’s uninterrupted or whatever, those are media platforms that you’ve utilized to disseminate a message.” He felt that LeBron should have been more specific about who he had an issue with instead of generalizing the entire media community as toxic.

“If you got a problem with somebody, you gonna say who it is as opposed to generalizing and putting an umbrella over an entire industry acting like you ain’t under the umbrella,” Stephen A. stated. Josh Hart, who was following the show, tagged his on-court partner and Roommates Show co-host, Jalen Brunson, asking, “What do you think?” with a laughing emoji. “I agree 1000% bro it’s a problem,” the Knicks guard responded. Both of them continued their conversation on Instagram stories, giving their fans a hilarious moment.

It all started on Tuesday when LeBron claimed in a locker room interview that he was called a liar for stating that he had witnessed Dalton Knecht’s supremacy last season at Tennessee. The following day, he shared a post from Kevin Durant’s agent, Rich Kleiman, which addressed the negativity in the media.

A couple of minutes later the 39-year-old wrote, “And with that said I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care ✌🏾👑” on X before logging off. Since then he has been receiving criticism from Stephen A. and Skip Bayless.

Skip Bayless chimes in on LeBron James’ social media exit

Bayless is widely known for his candid remarks and harsh criticisms, particularly when it comes to the GOAT debate, where he has consistently expressed his admiration for Michael Jordan. Now, with LeBron’s recent move, Bayless has found yet another reason to dismiss the 20-time All-Star from that conversation.

“My man LeBron James has done it again. He’s given me another reason why he’s just not the GOAT,” the analyst said on The Skip Bayless Show. That’s not it, Bayless even went ahead to make derogatory comments, “He can just be so fragile, so vulnerable, so mentally weak, such a thin-skinned diva. Ultimately, such a baby.”

These remarks surely reached the ears of LeBron James but over the past two decades, countless similar comments have been passed on him which couldn’t diminish the greatness. While it’s unknown when he will return to social media, his certified fans are definitely missing his presence.