Stephen A. Smith could hardly believe what he was hearing after Skip Bayless declared LeBron James was only the ninth-greatest player in NBA history during Bayless’ return to First Take.
Bayless appeared alongside Smith and host Shae Cornette on Friday.
“You’ve already elevated LeBron James to No. 2 on your all-time list,” Bayless said. “I have him at nine.”
Smith appeared stunned by the ranking before unloading on his former debate partner later in the episode. “For the audience to have to be subjected to this drivel that’s about to come out of your mouth,” Smith said. “LeBron James. You got me defending LeBron James.”
Smith continued, “Eight players in NBA history that you’d pick ahead of LeBron James. You know what, it’s your day. It’s unbelievable.”
Bayless defended his position by naming several legends he believes rank higher than James, including Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Larry Bird. According to Bayless, those are players he would “trust with games for my life.”
He also called James “the most mentally fragile superstar I have ever closely observed” and claimed the Lakers star is “lucky to be in the top 10.” Smith fired back again, calling the comments “one of the most asinine things that have ever come out of your mouth.”
James and the Lakers are coming off a 125-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of their weekend rematch.