In a heartwarming display of respect and admiration, Giannis Antetokounmpo recently defended LeBron James against criticism, saying “If there are people out there that believe that one of the greatest players to ever be on earth has no bag… Man I’ve seen it all”. The comment seems to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the immense talent and skill that LeBron possesses on the court, which speaks for itself.
The controversy began when LeBron James addressed the long-running “no bag” narrative, a critique aimed at his perceived lack of flash or advanced dribble combos. James didn’t rant; instead, he reflected, “I see it all the time. I’ll be on social media and it’s like, ‘LeBron has no bag.’ And I’m sitting here with like 50 billion points”. This subtle shot at his critics highlighted his impressive career stats and dominance on the court.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Giannis reposted LeBron’s quote and added his own thoughts, showcasing his support for the Lakers superstar. Giannis has never been one to chase clout on social media, but even he had to step in when the internet went too far. As a player who’s faced similar criticism for his straight-line drives, physicality, and “bully-ball” style, Giannis understands the importance of respecting a player’s skills and achievements.
Giannis’ response was powerful, defending not just LeBron but also indirectly defending his own game. He emphasized that true dominance isn’t just about flashy moves but about efficiency, dominance, and getting to your spot. JJ Redick echoed Giannis’ sentiments on the Mind the Game podcast, “Saying LeBron has no bag is like saying Beethoven had no rhythm… It’s just intellectually dishonest”.
This exchange showcases the mutual respect between two of the NBA’s brightest stars. Despite being rivals on the court, they have shown appreciation for each other’s incredible abilities and achievements. “Game recognizes game” perfectly encapsulates their dynamic, as both players understand the hard work, dedication, and elite level of performance required to succeed in the league.
