Kings star is thriving ever since he left social media

It's rare for a public figure in 2024 to not have a social media presence. 

The few who've decided to stay away have done so to avoid the toxicity that comes with the platforms. In the case of athletes, the scrutiny is perpetual and intensifies during a season. Kings center Domantas Sabonis found that out firsthand during last year's first-round playoff series against the Warriors.

As his Kings blew a 2-0 lead to their division rivals, Sabonis got obliterated on social media for allowing Draymond Green to dominate their match-up. Sabonis was called "soft" and Green further fanned the flames by ripping him for not shaking hands after the Kings' Game 7 loss.

All that negativity got to Sabonis, who deleted all his social media entering the 2023-24 season. Thus far, the decision has paid off — the Lithuanian leads the NBA in triple-doubles (26) and double-doubles (74) and is on the brink of a milestone not reached in 50 seasons.  

In a recent interview with "The Woj Pod," Sabonis explained why leaving social media was the best decision of his young career. 

"It's been the best thing ever," Sabonis said of his life post-social media. "You don't have to worry about any of that. You just go out there and play your game. You have your coaches, your family [and] your teammates, and their opinion is the only one that matters. You just got to go out there, trust your game, and play."

When asked if reading negative tweets impacted his mental health, Sabonis responded with a resounding "for sure" before elaborating on his point.  

"No matter what it is — good or bad — something is creeping in your mind. It's better not to even see it, in my opinion. It's amazing — you have a lot more free time. Your mind is clear. Basically, you watch film and try and learn. You don't need to read or hear anything from anyone else."

Sabonis, 27, is wise beyond his years. 

Even LeBron James admittedly goes "zero dark thirty" on social media during the playoffs and has advised his Lakers teammates to do the same.