Overview
- Performing “El Apagón,” he said in Spanish, “Y de Barea, el que fue campeón primero que Lebron,” translating to “And Barea, the one who became champion before LeBron.”
- The reference pointed to J.J. Barea’s part in the Dallas Mavericks’ 2011 NBA title over LeBron James’s Miami Heat.
- Reporting framed the shoutout as celebratory rather than antagonistic toward James, who has a public friendship with the artist.
- A viral claim that he also shouted out Luka Dončić was refuted by viewers and outlets as not occurring during the set.
- Barea acknowledged the moment on social media, and the Caribbean-rooted performance featured guest appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.