LeBron James shuts up Michael Jordan-defending critic with buzzer-beater against Indiana Pacers
Lakers star LeBron James has been making waves in the NBA for his recent interview with Pat McAfee, leaving NBA analyst Skip Bayless bitter.

Skip Bayless and LeBron James
NBA superstar LeBron James is not someone to shy away if and when remarks are made against him. Over the past month, James was involved in a courtside spat with NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith. So much so that, James even confronted him courtside, but Smith did not settle there as he went on with the beef. Now, James sat with Pat McAfee and slandered Smith for the way he handled this situation.
James compared Smith’s series of videos against him to that of famous singer Taylor Swift‘s ‘Eras Tour.’ On the other hand, another James critic, Skip Bayless chimed in on his socials to throw shade at the Los Angeles Lakers star. Bayless has been a longtime admirer of the great Michael Jordan. For Bayless, Jordan is above James in the sport. After watching the McAfee-James podcast, Bayless made his views clear on X.
Hey, LeBron, I see where you say you and Jordan don’t talk but that you hope that changes after you retire. It won’t. He’s above you, will remain aloof. You chose to wear 23, keep doing HIS pre-tip powder-toss, to pretty much announce, “I’m the next Him.” Nope. He won’t forget.
Skip Bayless wrote on X
Hey, LeBron, I see where you say you and Jordan don't talk but that you hope that changes after you retire. It won't. He's above you, will remain aloof. You chose to wear 23, keep doing HIS pre-tip powder-toss, to pretty much announce, "I'm the next Him." Nope. He won't forget.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 27, 2025
Now Bayless got an immediate response but on the court by the Lakers star. The Lakers were facing the Indiana Pacers while Bayless tweeted. Despite James knowing any of this, the star man made the game-winning buzzer beater, proving to be an immediate response towards Bayless and his X post. The latter could do nothing but praise the Lakers star. That is exactly what he did but did not leave an opportunity to throw some shade as well.
LEBRON JUST MADE A BUZZER BEATER TO SAVE THE LAKERS!!!! (a wide-open tip-in, even easier than a layup)
Skip Bayless wrote
LEBRON JUST MADE A BUZZER BEATER TO SAVE THE LAKERS!!!! (a wide-open tip-in, even easier than a layup)
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 27, 2025
One thing is clear: James always finds a way to keep his critics quiet. This time it was a game-winning buzzer-beater against the Pacers. This was despite the star having a poor game. James recorded just a mere 13 points, 7 assists, and 13 rebounds on Wednesday. But he did bail out his side when it mattered the most, putting an end to the 3-game losing streak.
LeBron James made NBA history in the Lakers-Pacers game
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-119 to finally end their losing run. But it wasn’t a simple victory. It appeared as though the Lakers would lose for the fourth time in a row as the game came to a close. However, LeBron James saved the day once more, as he has done numerous times in his two-decade career. With this win, James also added another milestone to his underlying career.
LeBron James is the oldest player in NBA history to hit a game-winning buzzer-beater.
Per StatMamba
LeBron James is the oldest player in NBA history to hit a game-winning buzzer-beater. pic.twitter.com/Q1PX5duUD5
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) March 27, 2025
James has now scored at least one buzzer-beater in his 20s, his 30s and his 40s. Also, he has scored 10 points or more in 1,283 straight games, which is the longest stretch in NBA history. For the past few weeks, James was nursing a groin injury and is still taking time to reach to full fitness.
After the game, James discussed his performance and the key plays he made throughout the game, saying that while it will take him a while to get back into his rhythm, he can always contribute to the team’s victory.
Lakers HC provided a unique take on his side’s win against the Pacers
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a bittersweet 2 months in the NBA lately. In February, they were on an 8-1 run, but that quickly took a turn in the following month. This month, the Lakers suffered 3 consecutive defeats and were on the verge of their 4th. Thanks to Luka Doncic’s top-notch performance against the Pacers and LeBron James’ last-second moment. The Lakers HC JJ Redick had a unique take during the post-game presser.
Felt like a game we won three times and we lost three times and we ended up winning the game. t’s hard to win in the NBA. It’s hard to win against a great team like Indiana…For our group to get two wins against them, given our struggles against the Eastern Conference, we’re really happy with that.
JJ Redick said
"We said this morning this was gonna be a game that was won on multiple efforts… we won the game on a multiple-effort play."
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 27, 2025
JJ Redick talks with @LakersReporter and the media after tonight's 120-119 win over the Indiana Pacers. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/tKiwVPRL6e
It remains to be seen if Wednesday’s victory alters the Lakers’ trajectory as they make their last home runs before the postseason. However, it will undoubtedly rank among the greatest in a season filled with unforgettable events both on and off the court.