"LeBron has no bag and I'm sitting here got 50 billion points"- LeBron James pushes back on "no bag" talk, breaks down his scoring style
"LeBron has no bag and I'm sitting here got 50 billion points"- LeBron James pushes back on "no bag" talk, breaks down his scoring style originally appeared on Basketball Network.
LeBron James has weathered more criticism than most players could ever imagine. One recurring jab is the "no bag" talk, the idea that "The King" lacks a deep arsenal of one-on-one moves or flashy handles. In a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar gets honest about how he felt about this slight and why it may not be such a disadvantage after all.
Advertisement
"I see it all the time. I'll be on social media and like, 'LeBron has no bag," James said. "LeBron has no bag and I'm sitting here, like, I got 50 billion points."
Of course, Bron was exaggerating, but the point stands: He has scored over 50,400 points in the Association, including both the regular season and the playoffs. Nonetheless, he did not contradict the point; if anything, "The Chosen One" is living proof that nobody needs to have a million moves in their back pocket to be an effective scorer.
"Get to the spot and raise"
James has always been regarded as a freak of nature. Standing at 6'9'', 250 pounds, he is as strong as a bull but could run like the wind and be as quick as a fox (at least, in his physical prime). Because of his natural advantages, the Akron native never needed to rely on elaborate dribble sequences or something complicated to score. For Bron, it's all about playing the right way and using fundamentals to elevate his gifts, just like how the greats did it back then.
Advertisement
"When I was growing up, it wasn't talked about. The least amount of dribbles to get where you need to get to was when I grew up watching. Michael Jordan wasn't out there dribbling a thousand times to get to the spot, and raise," the basketball legend explained. "Isiah Thomas. As great of a handle Isiah Thomas had, Isaiah get to a spot and raise. All these guys that I grew up (watching), Grant Hill, get to a spot. I'm bigger than you. "Big Dog" Glenn Robinson, Allan Houston, Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady."
"Even as great as Tracy's handle was, it was, 'I'm bigger than you, I'mma get to this spot in the least amount of dribbles," LBJ added.
As Steve Nash pointed out, players like LeBron and others who are physically gifted should utilize their footwork to get into their comfort zones where they are most effective. From there, at least to James, it's about using his strength and size to make things happen.
Scoring formulas are not one-size-fits-all, but the four-time Champ makes a compelling case for efficiency over flair. For him, it's more about choosing the smartest path to the bucket. If you can get there in two dribbles, why take six?
Advertisement
Related: "Dad, you at 17, me at 17, who was better? I said, 'Listen, son...'" - Dominique Wilkins on the moment he realized his son didn't know how great of a player he was
Playing the game the right way
James, Nash, and Luka Doncic unanimously agree that having "a bag" is pointless and could do more harm than good regarding a young player's development. After all, only two or three players are consistently trusted by the coach and have complete freedom at the pro level. Anyone who goes off script will ride the bench soon enough before they can execute another dribble combo again.
"Just play the game the right way. I hope our younger generation does not get swamped by saying, 'I need a bag, I need a bag, I need a bag.' Work on your game, know what you're gonna be good at in order to help your team and prove the next year to be a better player," the four-time champion stated.
Advertisement
As evidenced by his last statement, "The Akron Hammer" is not discouraging the young players. Instead, he inspired them to work on what matters the most if they wish to play basketball at a high level. LeBron is not arguing against creativity but pushing for purpose. Skill without structure might get attention, but it won't earn trust from coaches or longevity in the league.
Ultimately, the substance lasts longer than sizzle. Bron's two-decade career is a pretty convincing argument that knowing your strengths and playing the right way still matter most.
Related: Shaquille O'Neal reveals which two dunks in his NBA career are his favorite: "He was all over me, and I was like, 'Get the fu** off me'"
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Magic Johnson Claims He Warned Lakers Not To Let Alex Caruso Walk
Magic Johnson Claims He Warned Lakers Not To Let Alex Caruso Walk originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Magic Johnson is not one to hold back his thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers. The franchise icon and former president of basketball operations has never hesitated to critique or support the team he helped elevate into a global brand. And during a recent appearance on First Take, Magic had a pointed reminder for Lakers brass: they ignored his warning, and it came back to haunt them. Advertisement "The thing that hurt the Lakers the most was losing KCP.. And then we're watching the other guy for Oklahoma City right now in Caruso. They were our best on ball defenders. And I told them that. "If you're gonna lose KCP, he signed for more money, but you gotta keep Caruso. Can't lose them both. But they assigned Taylor Horton to that $9,000,000. Instead of giving it to Caruso, and that come back to bite the Lakers." After winning the 2020 championship in the Orlando bubble, the Lakers still had the pieces to contend. LeBron James and Anthony Davis were in their prime, the team had a strong defensive identity, and players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso played vital roles on both ends of the floor. But in 2021, injuries derailed the season, and the team was bounced in the first round by the Phoenix Suns. What followed was a dramatic shift in philosophy. The Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook in a blockbuster deal that sent Caldwell-Pope to Washington. Then came the controversial decision to let Alex Caruso walk in free agency. Advertisement He was reportedly willing to return on a team-friendly deal, but the Lakers chose to invest in Talen Horton-Tucker instead. It was a gamble that hasn't aged well. Caruso signed with the Chicago Bulls, flourished into one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, and is now playing in the NBA Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the first three games of the series, he's averaged 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists off the bench. His gritty defense, timely shooting, and hustle plays have been instrumental in the Thunder's surprising playoff run. More importantly, he's doing it on the biggest stage, something Magic believes could've still been happening in purple and gold. Meanwhile, the Lakers have cycled through numerous backcourt options but have yet to find a defensive stopper like Caruso. Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are elite offensive players but defensively, the Lakers have struggled to contain top-tier guards without a true on-ball disruptor. Advertisement Caruso was more than a fan favorite. He was the glue guy every contender needs. And now, as he chases another title in a different uniform, Magic Johnson's words ring painfully true: the Lakers let go of a winning piece, and they've been paying the price ever since. Related: LeBron James Gets Real On What Made The Lakers' 2020 Backcourt Special This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Quinn Buckner reveals Larry Bird only watches Nikola Jokic play: "Larry said there is only one guy that he watches play"
Quinn Buckner reveals Larry Bird only watches Nikola Jokic play: "Larry said there is only one guy that he watches play" originally appeared on Basketball Network. There's always been a quiet link between Larry Bird and Nikola Jokic. Two guys who move at their own speed, see plays before they happen, and do most of their damage without ever breaking a sweat. They're not flashy, not fast, not built like Greek statues, but they control the game in a way very few ever have. Everything slows down when they touch the ball because their mind is already a few frames ahead of everyone else. Advertisement It's not just fans or analysts drawing the comparison anymore — Bird himself has made it. According to Quinn Buckner, the only active player "The Hick from French Lick" actually watches is "The Joker." And if you know anything about the Indiana native, you know that kind of endorsement means something. Bird doesn't hand out compliments, and he definitely doesn't go out of his way to hand the torch off to someone who hasn't earned it. So, for him to put Jokic in his orbit says more than any quote ever could. Larry's admission that he only watches the Serbian center Buckner isn't throwing around second-hand stories. The former Boston Celtics guard played a decade in the league, made four All-Defensive teams, and won the 1984 title next to Bird. He knows what greatness looks like up close — not from the outside looking in but from the trenches. So when he joined "The Dan Patrick Show" and was asked about Bird's legacy, the conversation quickly shifted toward who brought the championship to the Denver Nuggets. Advertisement "I don't know about that. I don't know about that one, Dan," said Q.B. when asked if there was ever going to be a time when "Kodak" drops out of the Top 10 players of all time. It wasn't just a regular compliment. Buckner explained the similarities go deeper than the numbers or the highlights. It's about the way both guys affect everyone around them. The way their teammates elevate just by sharing the floor with them. The Serbian center knows very well how to make the most out of the guys around him, but he has a feeling when he needs to take over as the primary scorer. Just like the three-time MVP knew. "Larry is, that's a uniqueness about him, but I'll tell you who he is comparable to. And Larry said there is only one guy that he watches play. It's Jokic," the retired guard revealed. 'And if you look at 'em, the difference is Jokic is longer. That's about it. He is longer and taller. Whatever the talent they have on their team, those guys play at a higher level for having played with Larry. I know it 'cause I did. And I watch Jokic do that,' he added. 'Larry Bird is as pure a basketball player as you're ever going to find.' Advertisement Related: Luc Longley on why he and Michael Jordan couldn't get along: "Mike was doing what he did to rookies, what he was doing to me" The comparison that makes a perfect sense "Larry Legend" isn't the type to hype up the next generation. He's not trying to stay relevant or attach his name to the current stars. If anything, he's been content staying out of the spotlight. So when the Indiana native goes out of his way to call someone the only guy he watches — and when that someone plays a position Bird never did — that speaks volumes. While the Jokic-Bird comps might seem like a stretch at first glance, they actually make perfect sense. Two players who elevate everyone around them, who value the right read over the loud play, and who keep piling up wins without caring much for the spotlight. Advertisement They do everything without looking like they're doing too much. Just pure basketball IQ with a side of unselfishness. And in a league that's often fueled by flash, that kind of substance still stands out — especially to a guy who built his legacy on it. Related: "God, if you let me get through this, I won't play no more" - Larry Bird describes the moment that made him retire for good This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
"The only white guy that was mentioned in the barbershop" - Magic Johnson says Larry Bird was well-respected in Black communities
"The only white guy that was mentioned in the barbershop" - Magic Johnson says Larry Bird was well-respected in Black communities originally appeared on Basketball Network. Magic Johnson transcended his status as a celebrated NBA superstar and became a beloved figure within Black communities. He emerged as a powerful role model for his fellow African Americans and is still inspiring them to this very day. Advertisement As per Earvin, his former archrival, Larry Bird, also earned the same respect and admiration from Black communities during their playing careers. Johnson once revealed that Larry Legend was not viewed by Black NBA fans through the lens of racial stereotypes. Instead, Magic noted that they recognized the Boston Celtics legend for his exceptional skills. In fact, they often laud him for his greatness. "His game, you see, Larry Bird was the only [white] guy that was mentioned in the barbershop. 'Cause that's where all the talking in our community is, the barbershop or on the playground," Earvin once said via ESPN. Magic gave Bird the utmost respect Johnson and Bird were strikingly contrasting in terms of appearance and qualities as players. Despite their differences, Magic never had disdain for Larry. Instead, he even admired his nemesis for his remarkable talent and competitive spirit. Advertisement From the very moment Johnson and Bird first faced each other on the hardwood, it was clear that both players were meant to change the game forever. They possessed a unique set of skills that separated them from the rest, and they were eager to dominate each other. Their opposite styles and approaches to the game made for a captivating rivalry. However, it never escalated to animosity. Magic had always given "Larry Legend" the utmost respect he deserved as a competitor. "Larry and I have an unusual relationship. We've been both competitors and good friends for many years. I have tremendous respect for Larry. He won't quit; he has the will to win. I spent a lot of sleepless nights preparing for him. That's respect," Magic wrote on a classic Skybox NBA card of Bird. "The highest respect you can pay to any player is that you fear him. Larry's the only player I feared," the Los Angeles Lakers icon continued. Related: "Lot of teammates don't be as close as us three are after basketball" - Gary Payton on why he keeps close ties with his old SuperSonics teammates Bird didn't need to be Black to be a great player For decades, the NBA has been predominantly Black. Currently available online data from 2023 states that the league has approximately 70.4% African American players. Nevertheless, Bird never felt intimidated or out of place. Advertisement Bird has always believed that basketball is a Black man's game. However, he never let this lingering thought affect his mentality and drive as a player. He recognized early on that he did not have the innate athleticism that many of his Black peers possessed. Rather than allowing this realization to affect him, The Hick from French Lick focused on working on other aspects of his game. Bird dedicated himself to improving his shooting accuracy, playmaking skills and mastering the fundamentals. Through relentless practice and determination, Larry quickly transformed his game, earning a reputation as one of the premier players of his generation. Before long, Bird's exceptional work ethic and strategic mindset allowed him to break into the elite ranks of Black NBA players, including Magic. Today, Bird is revered by basketball fans from all walks of life and ethnicities. Related: Quinn Buckner reveals Larry Bird only watches Nikola Jokic play: "Larry said there is only one guy that he watches play" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
