LeBron James Earns Rare Praise From Skip Bayless After Lakers Embarrass Clippers

Longtime critic of LeBron James, Skip Bayless offered a rare praise for the Lakers superstar.

LeBron James Earns Rare Praise From Skip Bayless After Lakers Embarrass Clippers

Skip Bayless called Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves as the 'greatest 3-man backcourt in NBA history. (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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Well-known television personality and sports columnist, Skip Bayless, has always been LeBron James’ biggest critic since he stepped into the NBA in 2003. James is one of the few players in NBA history, who could go head-to-head with Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate. Being a huge Jordan fan, it is natural for Bayless to be overly-critical of James.

Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, there were a lot of questions whether the Los Angeles Lakers could be legitimate contenders in a stacked Western conference. When LeBron James was ruled out for their first 14 games of the season, Luka Doncic has been the leader of the team and has played at an MVP level. The MVP candidate has been averaging 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 9.2 assists this season.

Completing the backcourt duo with Doncic was Austin Reaves, who has been a revelation for the Lakers this season. The guard is averaging 27.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game so far. The two carried the Lakers to 10-4 in the absence of James.

Hence, several pundits and fans were skeptical of how James would affect the team’s chemistry on his return. Not just that, the four-time NBA champion was playing in a record-breaking 23rd season at the age of 40.

Three games in, the Lakers are sitting at second place in the western conference standings with a 13-4 record. A convincing 135-118 win over cross-town rivals, LA Clippers, showed that the trio of Doncic, James and Reaves can be dangerous as they combined to score 99 points.

Bayless, who is a big follower of every James’ game despite being critical of the forward most of the time has offered some words of praise for James and his two teammates during the game.

I am watching the greatest 3-man backcourt in NBA history – combined highest hoop IQ and passing genius. LeBron James. Luka Doncic. Austin Reaves. Honor and pleasure to behold this triple gift from the basketball gods.

Lakers will struggle against the top teams according to Tracy McGrady

While they may be sitting at second in the standings ahead of Denver Nuggets and behind the defending champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers still have some way to go before they can prove themselves to be legitimate contenders for the championship. They did play the OKC two weeks ago but suffered a humiliating 121-92 loss. But with James back into the squad, he may help to bridge the gap between the two teams.

The Lakers are currently on a five-match win-streak with three of those wins coming against the Jazz and the Pelicans. The team does show a lot of promise offensively, it is their defense where they seem to show some cracks. End of the day, it is the defense that wins championships. Seven-time NBA All-Star, Tracy McGrady spoke on the NBA on NBC panel about the Lakers:

I don’t think this team presently constructed can survive OKC or Denver that have speed, depth and size. If you look at this roster constructed, what did you see on this bench that can give you consistency in a 7 game series against OKC or Denver?

Impact of NBA Cup for the league and players

The NBA Cup is in its third season. The in-season tournament offers teams and players an extra shot to lift a trophy along with cash bonuses based on performance. The Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup followed by the Milwaukee Bucks last season.

JJ Redick 1
JJ Redick (Image credits – Fadeaway World)

In the post-match press conference, Lakers head coach JJ Redick was asked about the NBA Cup:

I have really enjoyed it as a broadcaster, covering it, talking about it. Didn’t get an opportunity to compete for the cup last year so we are excited. I mean, $53,000 is a lot of money, it just is. I’m sure there’s some extra motivation. I think the head coach might get a full share, so it’s motivation for sure.

The Lakers will be looking to lift their second NBA Cup which will be a confidence booster as the season goes on.

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