(Video) Skip Bayless Goes Scorched Earth on LeBron James and ‘Podcast Partner’

Skip Bayless had some harsh words for LeBron James and JJ Redick on an episode of Gil's Arena.

(Video) Skip Bayless Goes Scorched Earth on LeBron James and ‘Podcast Partner’

Skip Bayless on LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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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 since he entered the NBA in 2003. Bayless has been a longtime fan of Michael Jordan, so it is natural for the 74-year-old to be overly critical of James despite his long list of achievements and accolades.

There has been no player in NBA history who has had the career that LeBron James has had. Since being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the number one pick in the 2003 NBA draft, James has gone on to feature in 21 NBA All-Star games, won four NBA Championships to go along with four Finals MVPs, four League-MVPs and one scoring title, to name a few. He is also the leading scorer in NBA history.

The soon-to-be 41-year-old is playing in a record-breaking 23rd season in the NBA. A number that no player has achieved in league history. For the first time in his career, James is no longer the focal point of his team. It belongs to Luka Doncic, who is one of the top contenders for league MVP so far this season.

James has adjusted well to his new role and has started to show his old self once again in the last few games. Despite being on a three-match losing streak, the Lakers find themselves at fourth place in the Western Conference standings with an impressive 19-10 record. But their performances in the last three games have raised questions about whether the team has what it takes to go all the way due to their poor defense.

Skip Bayless was in praise of the Lakers backcourt of James, Doncic and Austin Reaves and called them the greatest three-man backcourt in NBA history. The controversial columnist made an appearance on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast and lashed out at James and Doncic.

He [LeBron] won’t play defense, and his podcast partner (JJ Redick) is not going to call him out. And I’m gonna say it again, Luka is overrated, he plays less defense than LeBron does. LeBron’s the third wheel now. I’m no big LeBron fan, but I feel sorry for him in this situation because it just feels wrong, wrong, wrong.

With James at the backend of his career, it is unfair to expect him to contribute much on the defensive end on a nightly basis. But unfortunately, it is their biggest weak point right now. Head coach JJ Redick and his coaching staff have their hands full trying to figure out a way to improve the team’s defence as the season progresses.

Fans react to Skip Bayless’ harsh comments on LeBron James and Luka Doncic

Several NBA fans were in agreement with Bayless’ statements, while some felt it was unfair to depend on James at this age, as they took to the internet to express their opinions.

A lot of pondering to do for the Lakers, as it is a lot to expect a 40-year-old James to make a big difference on both ends of the court every night. With Doncic and Reaves struggling in defence as well, the Lakers are in desperate need of some energy from their two young stars.

Kendrick Perkins believes that LeBron James needs to leave the Lakers

Just like every other season, there were a lot of rumors that James would be leaving the Lakers in the offseason, as the Lakers seemed interested in trading him as well. But all those rumors were put to rest when James’ longtime friend and agent Rich Paul confirmed that the four-time champion would finish this season with the Lakers.

LeBron James
LeBron James (Image credits – CNN)

On a recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take”, former player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins felt that it is time for James to leave the Lakers.

LeBron and the Lakers, their relationship has run its course. They need to figure out a solution, and the solution is not him being in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.

It remains to be seen what lies ahead for James after this season, whether he decides to move on from the Lakers or calls time on his legendary career.

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