On Sunday, music star Bad Bunny performed at the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show. It was rumored that the show might have been a record-breaking turnout in terms of viewers, although the official numbers haven’t been confirmed.
During Bad Bunny’s set, the Puerto Rico native performed “El Apagón.” The song takes a playful jab at four-time NBA champion LeBron James.
“And [JJ] Barea, the one who became champion before LeBron,” he said in Spanish.
The Full Context
JJ Barea is best known as a 14-year NBA veteran and longtime member of the Puerto Rico men’s national basketball team. In 2011, Barea won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks.
Barea helped the Mavericks upset James’ Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. The five-foot-ten guard averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 rebounds during the championship series.
After accomplishing the feat, Barea spent the remainder of his NBA career between the Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2020, he moved overseas to play in Spain.
The Puerto Rico native transitioned into a coaching role after finishing his playing career. He is currently an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets.
James wouldn’t capture his first NBA championship until 2012. After starting his professional career in 2003, it took the 22-time All-Star nearly a decade to hit the milestone.
As of 2026, James is a four-time NBA champion. He won two championships with the Heat, one championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and his latest championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers hold the fifth spot in the Western Conference standings this season, giving the 41-year-old star ample opportunity to pursue a fifth championship. This season, he is averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
Bad Bunny’s reference appears to be a reflection of Puerto Rican pride rather than a direct offense toward James. Still, it adds a personal sting knowing the two players faced off for the honor.
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