‘I got like 50 billion points’ — LeBron James hits out at critics who say he has ‘no bag’

Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history—if not the greatest—as evidenced by his illustrious resume, which includes being the league’s all-time leading scorer.

James just completed his 22nd NBA season at the age of 40 and continued to perform at an elite level. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game during the 2024–25 regular season, and 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game in the playoffs—easily emerging as the Lakers’ best player. His outstanding play earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.

Despite his near-unmatched accomplishments, James often faces criticism from fans and pundits regarding his playing style. Many claim that he lacks the finesse of other Hall of Famers, with some labeling him a “bully” who dominates only against weaker opponents.

In response, James addressed the criticism on a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, co-hosted by NBA legend Steve Nash. The 40-year-old asserted that his playing style is effective and that the criticism is overblown.

“When I was growing up, it wasn’t talked about. The least amount of dribbles to get where you need to get to—that’s what I grew up watching. Michael Jordan wasn’t dribbling a thousand times to get to his spot and rise. Isiah Thomas, as great as his handle was, would get to his spot and bury you. Glenn Robinson, Allan Houston, Penny Hardaway—same thing.

LeBron shuts up the haters saying he has no bag 🐐🔥

“I have no bag and I’m sitting here with 50 billion points” pic.twitter.com/Wu3Cf34M2y

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 8, 2025

“They could dribble, yes. But even Tracy McGrady, as great as he was, would say: I’m bigger than you, I’ll get to my spot in the fewest dribbles. Kevin Garnett used good footwork—if he got you on his shoulder or hip, he’d use his size.

“I see it all the time on social media—people saying you need a ‘bag.’ Just play the game the right way. I hope our younger generation doesn’t get trapped into thinking, ‘I need a bag.’ Work on your game. Know what you’re good at to help the team.

“Come in as a defender, get extra possessions, rebounds—then improve in the offseason. Only one, two, maybe three guys per team handle the ball anyway. You don’t need a bag. You can make $200 million in the NBA if you defend and hit a corner three.”

James makes a strong case for the fundamentals of success in the NBA. It’s also important to note that his game includes multiple elite-level skills—dominating the paint, breaking down defenders in isolation, navigating off-ball screens, and hitting deep three-pointers. His offensive versatility remains among the most complete in league history.

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