L.A. Lakers superstar LeBron James Fires Back at Critics Claiming He Has 'No Bag'...read more

LeBron James Claps Back at Critics Who Say He Has ‘No Bag’

LeBron James has had enough of the chatter. The Los Angeles Lakers icon and NBA’s all-time leading scorer is firing back at critics who continue to question the depth of his offensive skillset by claiming he has “no bag.”

In the basketball world, the term “bag” refers to a player’s array of moves, creativity, and finesse in scoring the ball. While James has built a legendary career filled with records, accolades, and consistency, some fans and analysts on social media have argued that much of his success stems from sheer physical dominance rather than technical skill.

But LeBron, never one to shy away from setting the record straight, addressed these comments head-on during a recent episode of his podcast Mind the Game—which he co-hosts with fellow NBA veteran JJ Redick.

“I see it all the time. I’ll be scrolling through social media,” James said. “People be like, ‘LeBron has no bag.’ And I’m just sitting there like—how do I have 50 billion points with no bag?”

It’s a fair question. James, who became the first player in NBA history to surpass 50,000 combined points between the regular season and playoffs this year, has redefined longevity and excellence in professional basketball. This latest milestone comes after he broke the all-time regular-season scoring record during the 2022–23 season and became the first to reach 40,000 regular-season points the following year.

Now in his 21st NBA season and approaching his 40th birthday, James continues to defy expectations. During the 2024–25 campaign, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He shot an impressive 51.3% from the field, 37.6% from beyond the arc, and 78.2% from the free-throw line. His efforts earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, proving that age is merely a number for the four-time MVP and four-time NBA champion.

Critics often point to James’ combination of size, speed, and strength as the primary driver of his success, suggesting that he lacks the advanced footwork, handle, or shot-creation ability seen in other elite scorers. But those arguments become harder to justify as James continues to evolve his game. With his trademark fadeaways, refined post play, improved shooting, and exceptional court vision, James has expanded his toolkit well beyond just athleticism.

Even as his explosive first step and high-flying dunks have tapered off with age, James has adapted by leaning into his basketball IQ, fundamentals, and versatility often taking on the role of primary playmaker or floor spacer depending on team needs. His ability to dissect defenses and adjust his game each season demonstrates a “bag” far deeper than many give him credit for.

LeBron’s pointed response highlights the disconnect between online narratives and on-court reality. While social media can be quick to label and critique, the numbers and the highlights tell a different story.

James’ career, spanning more than two decades, is a testament to skill, endurance, and evolution. And if putting up 50,000 points without a “bag” is possible, then maybe it’s time to rethink what that word even means.