Skip Bayless Labels LeBron James a ‘Defensive Liability’ After Lakers Crush Wolves Without Him

Lakers' continued success without star forward LeBron James raises questions about the aging four-time MVP's fit in LA.

Skip Bayless Labels LeBron James a ‘Defensive Liability’ After Lakers Crush Wolves Without Him

Skip Bayless on LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Skip Bayless criticized LeBron James as a "defensive liability" after the Lakers' recent win over the Timberwolves.
  • The Lakers have won three consecutive games without James, improving their record to 40-25 and moving to fourth in the Western Conference.
  • Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have excelled in James' absence, raising questions about the team's dynamics as the playoffs approach.

It is no secret that Skip Bayless is no fan of LeBron James. The well-known television personality and sports columnist has been one of James’ biggest critics ever since he stepped foot into the NBA in 2003. Bayless is an ardent fan of Michael Jordan and, therefore, has always been overly critical of James despite his long list of achievements and accolades.  

LeBron James has missed the last three games for the Los Angeles Lakers due to an elbow injury. And the Lakers have come out on top in all three matches. Their latest win was against a strong Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a convincing 120-106 victory at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.

With three consecutive wins, the Lakers have jumped to fourth place in the Western Conference standings as their record improved to 40-25. They are just 0.5 games behind third-place Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves dropped to fifth place in the standings and are tied with the Lakers.

Despite being in the top six, the Lakers are still not viewed as championship contenders this year due to their poor defense. However, the purple and gold have been impressive on the defensive third of the floor without James in the lineup.

Following their win over the Wolves, Skip Bayless took to X and called the King a defensive liability.

Lakers at it again without defensive liability LeBron, holding Minnesota (4th in scoring at 119) to only 68 through 3 quarters in a blowout win. Afterward Luka raved about playing with Austin Reaves and about how hard the Lakers played ON DEFENSE. Man.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves formed a formidable offensive backcourt when James was ruled out for the first 14 games of the season. The Lakers’ strong play without James has raised questions about the team’s future and James’ role as the playoffs get nearer.

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NBA fans react to Skip Bayless calling LeBron James a “defensive liability”

While LeBron James has shown no signs of slowing down since turning 41, it is not his team anymore. Since joining the Lakers at the trade deadline last season, Luka Doncic has been the focal point of this team as the Lakers’ front office prepares for life in the post-James era. 

Fans were quick to react to Skip Bayless’ comments on LeBron James on social media:

With James in the lineup, the Lakers are playing with three players who play with little to no defense. While it is unfair to expect a 41-year-old to play on both sides of the court, head coach JJ Redick and his staff will need to figure out their best lineup once James is back on the court.

Lakers are trending in the right direction

After an inconsistent start to the year, the Lakers have now won six of their last seven games. Two of those wins came against the New York Knicks and the Timberwolves. Doncic and Reaves combined to score 62 points (31 each) on Tuesday, with the Slovenian recording another triple-double as he posted 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

In his post-match interview, Reaves spoke about the Lakers’ positive run over the last seven games.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have developed a good relationship
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have developed a good relationship (Image via Basket USA/X)

I mean, that’s two really good wins in a row. We’ve won six out of seven. And it feels like we’re trending in the right direction. We just got to continue to stick to the plan and continue to get better every single day and compete at a high level.

The Lakers have a difficult run of fixtures coming up. They are scheduled to take on the Chicago Bulls next at home on March 12, before taking on the Denver Nuggets on March 14.

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