Even after becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James still finds himself at the center of debates—and not just about GOAT status. Critics claim the four-time NBA champion doesn’t have the “bag” or elite scoring skills like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Kevin Durant. But LeBron isn’t staying silent—he’s setting the record straight in true King James fashion.
Still Scoring, Still Scrutinized
LeBron passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in February 2023 to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a milestone few thought would ever be reached. Now, at age 40, he’s sitting atop a mountain of 42,184 regular-season points and over 50,000 combined career points (regular season + playoffs). Yet some still downplay his scoring ability, calling it less “skilled” and more “physical.”
But James isn’t bothered.
“No Bag”? LeBron Claps Back
On a recent episode of his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, LeBron directly addressed the ongoing criticism.
“LeBron has no bag and I’m sitting over there with 50 billion points…”
He explained that the obsession with flashy handles and dribble-heavy moves is more of a social media trend than a basketball necessity. Referencing legends like Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, and Tracy McGrady, LeBron argued that efficient scoring—not excessive dribbling—is what really matters.
“Get to your spot, raise up, and bury it—that’s what the greats did.”
His message to young players? Focus on playing the game the right way. Defense, smart positioning, and developing over time are what build lasting careers—not viral step-backs.
Still Dominant at 40
While LeBron may not rely on flashy footwork or circus dribbles, his numbers don’t lie. This past season, he averaged:
- 24.4 points
- 8.2 assists
- 7.8 rebounds
- 51.3% FG
- 37.6% from 3-point range
He’s also adapted his game with age, playing more off-ball, especially now with Luka Doncic taking primary playmaking duties. The result? A more efficient LeBron who’s still a nightmare for defenses.
Legacy Bigger Than a “Bag”
The criticism of LeBron’s scoring style feels increasingly hollow as he continues to redefine longevity in sports. He’s not just scoring—he’s mentoring, evolving, and building a case for a legacy that may never be touched.
Even without the “bag” social media loves to hype, LeBron has created something far more valuable: consistency, adaptability, and unshakable dominance.
FAQ’s
How many career points does LeBron James have?
LeBron James has over 50,000 career points combining regular season and playoff totals.
Is LeBron James the NBA’s all-time leading scorer?
Yes, he became the all-time leading scorer in February 2023, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
What does “LeBron has no bag” mean?
It means critics believe he lacks flashy or advanced individual scoring moves like crossovers or step-backs.
How did LeBron respond to people saying he’s not a skilled scorer?
He emphasized efficiency and basketball IQ over showy moves, saying, “I’ve got 50 billion points.”
What are LeBron’s 2024–2025 season averages?
He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 51.3% from the field.