The highly-anticipated Super Bowl LX halftime show delivered an unforgettable performance by the Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny. However, one of the unforgettable moments of the night was when Bad Bunny gave a shoutout to an NBA star.
Bad Bunny gives a shoutout to this NBA icon during his Super Bowl set
The crowd erupted in cheers during the Super Bowl LX halftime show as Bad Bunny took the stage, bringing his unique blend of energy and talent to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
One of the standout moments of the star-studded night was when the 31-year-old gave a shoutout to a basketball legend from his homeland, who had once beaten NBA star LeBron James.
While performing his song El Apagón, he playfully referenced James. He said, “Y de Barea, el que fue campeón primero que Lebron.” It translates to “And Barea, the one who became champion before LeBron,” giving a shoutout to JJ Barea. The Puerto Rican basketballer had won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, beating LeBron James’ Miami Heat.
For those curious about JJ Barea’s basketball history, he is a 14-year NBA veteran and a key player for Puerto Rico’s national team. However, he is probably best known for his clutch performance in the 2011 NBA Finals, where he helped the Dallas Mavericks take down LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Barea averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in that series, and his team’s upset win earned him a championship ring.
JJ Barea’s mention wasn’t a diss, but rather a nod to his achievement and a celebration of Puerto Rican pride. LeBron James and Bad Bunny are actually friends. He had expressed his support for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance last October on ESPN Los Angeles’ Mason and Ireland show.
“I’m super happy for Bad Bunny that he’s able to represent the Super Bowl in San Francisco. That’s gonna be super dope and hopefully I could be there, man, just to support him,” James said. “He’s a great friend of mine, so it was great to see that,” he added.
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory
