LeBron James is still doing things at 41 that most players can only dream of in their prime. The Lakers star continues to defy the aging curve, putting up 21.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game this season - numbers that would be solid for any All-Star, let alone someone two decades into their NBA career. His game has evolved with time, leaning more on IQ and skill than raw athleticism, but the production remains elite.
Still, even with all he's accomplished - four championships, countless All-NBA selections, and a near-mythical reputation - LeBron isn’t immune to the occasional jab. Being one of the greatest to ever do it comes with a target, and sometimes, that target gets hit in unexpected ways.
Case in point: during the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday night, rapper Bad Bunny delivered a performance that had fans buzzing - not just for the music, but for a particular lyric that raised a few eyebrows in NBA circles.
In one of his verses, Bad Bunny dropped a line that, when translated, referenced fellow Puerto Rican and former NBA guard J.J. Barea: “And Barea, the one who became champion before LeBron.”
Now, for those who might not remember, Barea was a key role player on the 2010-11 Dallas Mavericks team that stunned the Miami Heat - and a newly formed Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh - in the NBA Finals. That series was a turning point in LeBron’s career, often cited as a moment of growth and motivation for what would become a dominant run in the years that followed.
So yes, technically, Barea did win a ring before LeBron. And yes, the line felt like a subtle nod to that fact. But was it a shot?
That’s where things get interesting. Bad Bunny and LeBron are known to have a friendly relationship.
They’ve crossed paths at events, shared mutual respect, and there’s been no real history of tension between them. Which makes it more likely that this was less of a diss and more of a hometown salute - a way for Bunny to spotlight one of Puerto Rico’s basketball heroes during the biggest stage in sports.
Still, in the social media era, even the smallest lyric can spark debate. Was it playful?
Was it pointed? The line walks that fine line between clever wordplay and subtle shade - the kind of thing that gets people talking, especially when it involves someone of LeBron’s stature.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that LeBron James doesn’t get rattled by noise. He’s been the face of the league for over two decades, and he’s heard it all - from critics, fans, and yes, even the occasional halftime performer. What matters most is what happens on the court, and even at 41, LeBron’s still writing chapters in a career that’s already one of the greatest we’ve ever seen.