Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with his coach during a stoppage in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

LeBron James' Ex-Teammate Claims Social Media 'Ruined' Lakers Star

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 6:39 AM ET

No player in NBA history has received more social media scrutiny than Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Unfortunately for James, that scrutiny just comes with the times that he lives in.

With how accessible stars are with social media comes too much access. It's an idea that James' ex-teammate and San Antonio Spurs champion Danny Green agrees with.

"I think social media's kinda ruined that for a lot of bigger guys," Green said. "I feel like that aura, I saw it a lot earlier on. When he was in Cleveland, he was a rockstar. By the time we got to L.A., when he was in Miami, I feel like they had so much access to him. They see him all the time. They see him on social media....People didn't idolize him as much, and they criticize."

“I think social media’s kinda ruined that.”

Danny Green opens up about the spotlight shone upon LeBron James & other NBA superstars.

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— All the Smoke (@allthesmokeprod) June 2, 2025

Green's words apply to far more than just basketball. It's the same logic for modern day popstars and actors as well. Many superstars don't reach the same status or "aura" as a Michael Jackson or a Leonardo DiCaprio because of social media.

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

However, LeBron James can also be the cause of his own problems. He's almost too active on social media, and routinely went through a period of time where he was posting his own stats during losses. Unfortunately, it's definitely reached a point where he'll be criticized no matter what he does.

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This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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