Skip Bayless once again reignited debate around LeBron James’ place in NBA history during a recent appearance on “Arena Gridiron,” where the longtime sports commentator explained why he does not consider the Los Angeles Lakers star the greatest player of all time.
Bayless pointed to specific moments involving Draymond Green and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka as the main reason he believes James cannot surpass Michael Jordan in the GOAT conversation. According to Bayless, those incidents reflected something he believes separates James from players like Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, and Jordan.
“This is what disqualifies LeBron for me,” Bayless said. “Draymond Green, and I talked to Draymond at length about this on Draymond’s podcast about a month ago, and Draymond said it’s his only regret of his career.”
Bayless referenced Green’s interaction with James during the 2016 NBA Finals and also brought up a confrontation involving Udoka during a game last season.
“He called LeBron a b**ch to his face during a game,” Bayless said. “And then Ime Udoka, the Rockets coach, this is last year, called LeBron a b**ch to his face during a game.”
Bayless then questioned whether other all-time greats would have been treated similarly.
“And I’m like, would anybody ever think to call Kobe Bryant or Larry Bird a b**ch?” Bayless said.
Skip Bayless Explains Why LeBron James Ranks Outside His Top Five
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
Bayless has remained one of James’ most vocal critics throughout the Lakers star’s career, but his recent comments expanded on a ranking that already generated significant attention earlier this week.
During his return appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith, Bayless revealed that he ranks James ninth on his all-time NBA list.
1. Jordan 2. Magic 3. Shaq 4. Kareem 5. Tim Duncan 6. Bill Russell 7. Kobe 8. Larry Bird 9. LeBron 10. Wilt
“The 8 players above him are all cold blooded killers. LeBron James over many years has proven to be the most mentally
“You’ve already elevated LeBron James all the way up to No. 2 on your all-time list?” Bayless said to Smith. “I have him at 9!”
The ranking immediately surprised Smith, who has often criticized James himself throughout the years.
“For the audience to have to be subjected to this drivel that’s about to come out of your mouth,” Smith responded. “You got me defending LeBron James. NINTH?! NINE?!?”
Bayless explained that he ranks Michael Jordan first and places Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, and Larry Bird ahead of James.
“The eight above starting with Jordan are all cold blooded basketball killers that I would trust with games for my life,” Bayless said. “LeBron James to me has proven to me over many many years to be the most mentally fragile superstar I have ever closely observed.”
Bayless also repeated another longtime criticism of James during the discussion.
“He was born without a clutch gene,” Bayless said.
Smith strongly disagreed with the ranking and called Bayless’ comments “one of the most asinine things that have ever come out of your mouth.”
LeBron James and Lakers Face Pressure Against Oklahoma City Thunder
GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
The renewed debate around James comes as the Lakers face growing pressure during the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles lost Game 2 on Thursday night by a score of 125-107 at Paycom Center, falling behind 2-0 in the series despite strong performances from James and Austin Reaves.
James finished with 23 points and six assists, while Reaves scored a playoff career-high 31 points. However, Oklahoma City closed out the game with another dominant second half, led by strong performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Ajay Mitchell.
The Lakers are also continuing to play without Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Doncic recently said doctors initially gave him an eight-week recovery timeline after the injury he suffered in early April.
Following the Game 2 loss, James acknowledged the Lakers failed to sustain momentum long enough against the defending champions.
“I just didn’t get it done,” James said after the game.
The series now shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 3 as the Lakers attempt to avoid falling into a 3-0 deficit.
Skip Bayless Just Said Something About LeBron James That Has Lakers Fans Furious