Despite 40K points achievement, LeBron James does not move up in Skip Bayless’ all-time rankings

Skip Bayless is LeBron James' toughest critic, often trolling James inability to be great.

Despite 40K points achievement, LeBron James does not move up in Skip Bayless’ all-time rankings

LeBron James' 40k points achievement has no effect on his place on Skip Bayless' all-time list

It is no secret that LeBron James is not one of TV analyst Skip Bayless‘ favorites. Bayless has left no stone unturned throughout his analyst career to call out or criticize the Los Angeles Lakers superstar throughout his career.

However, recently, he revealed that despite James being the first to notch up 40K points, it has not helped him move up Bayless’ all-time list. 

YouTube video

Skip Bayless was talking about LeBron James’ achievement on his podcast, The Skip Bayless Show. While taking a viewer question about James’ position on Bayless’ all-time list, the television personality highlighted how James has not moved up on his list despite achieving the monumental 40k mark.

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Before 40k points, I had LeBron 9th in my all-time list. After 40k points, I still have LeBron 9th on my all-time list. You want me to elevate LeBron in my all-time top-10 above Larry Bird...and Kobe Bryant? Magic? Jordan? No....NO. I'm sorry 40k is 40k, all-time longevity achievement, but just playing longer doesn't make you valuable.
Bayless said

Bayless further added that LeBron James is not more valuable than the four big men he has on his list. Bayless suggested that James’ deficiencies in defense, clutch scoring, shooting, and overall mentality do not help his case. 

The logic of Bayless’ argument stems from the fact that all of the players above James on his list have been elite competitors. Something, Bayless believes James has not proved during his career.

That’s not all; as per Bayless himself, James does not come into every game with that killer mentality that his other top-10 players had. It is evident from James’ lack of titles, considering the number of NBA finals he has played in. 

According to Skip Bayless, LeBron James has used his longevity to make his case for being one of the greatest players ever. But that longevity itself has worked against James in his GOAT claim. That is why Bayless still ranks him 9th all-time.

What does LeBron James need to do to move up Skip Bayless’ all-time list?

LeBron James has hinted that he might play a few more years before hanging up his shoes. But he is already 39 years old and in his 21st season in the league.

If LeBron James were to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to at least 1 more title, it might help his case in Skip Bayless’ all-time list. If he won 2, Bayless might move him up just below Michael Jordan at No. 1.

Another title or two at this age and against this level of competition, and James’ toughest critic will be his fan. The level of competition is one of the biggest plus points for James’ stake in the all-time lists of anyone.

Be it single-handedly taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to the superhuman performances of Dirk Nowitzki, or even the Lakers’ inability to build a decent roster around him, all those obstacles have not helped James’ cause. Without those, the narrative would have been different. 

Maybe Skip Bayless wants to see more from LeBron James to move him up his all-time list. Who knows what the last few years of the King’s reign in the NBA will look like?

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