Skip Bayless shared his latest controversial opinion on Friday, claiming that LeBron James is ninth on his all-time list of NBA players. The sports analyst marked his return to “First Take” with a remarkable hot take, leaving even Stephen A. Smith stunned.
Bayless claimed that LeBron was the most “mentally fragile superstar” and was born “without a clutch gene.”
NBA Fans Blast Skip Bayless For Having LeBron James Ninth On All-Time List
Bayless claimed that LeBron was the ninth greatest NBA player of all time, behind Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, and Larry Bird.
The NBA world quickly world joined Smith in ridiculing Bayless for his take. NBA writer Naveen Ganglani claimed that the hot take was part of an attempt to bring back the nostalgia of “First Take“, with Bayless being one of LeBron’s biggest critics during his initial run on the show.
“I ain’t even mad. Sh**’s funny. I swear it’s 2011 again. These guys are shameless but the nostalgia’s hilarious because it’s word for word the same stuff,” he wrote on X.
I ain’t even mad. Shit’s funny. I swear it’s 2011 again. These guys are shameless but the nostalgia’s hilarious because it’s word for word the same stuff 😂 https://t.co/YI8cgrysTN
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) May 8, 2026
A Knicks fan refuted Bayless’ claim and hailed the four-time NBA champion’s ability to come through in clutch situations.
“LeBron James very literally has the most clutch field goals in the history of the game,” they wrote.
“He was born without a clutch gene”
LeBron James very literally has the most clutch field goals in the history of the game.. https://t.co/xvb0SdWGIt
— JayTakes (@SportsWithJay0) May 8, 2026
Another basketball fan lauded Bayless for being so committed to criticizing LeBron without much basis.
“He’s 74 and he’s still committed to the gimmick. I respect it,” they wrote.
He’s 74 and he’s still committed to the gimmick.
I respect it. https://t.co/Y3WTjc6TQo
— Richard Staple, BSN, RN🇯🇲 (@RichStapless) May 8, 2026
Another fan pointed out Bayless’ continued criticism of LeBron.
“I gotta respect Skip. He about 70 years old still hating and sticking to his word,” another fan wrote.
I gotta respect skip
He about 70 years old still hating and sticking to his word https://t.co/qkE0QHCMer
— Jayden (Chris Cross Cartier) (@FashionCartier) May 8, 2026
Another fan pointed out how the take was so bad that even Smith, another known LeBron critic, was forced to defend him.
“Look at Stephen A face bro. This man might consider retirement if Skip becomes a regular guest on the show. Skip Bayless had Stephen A defending Lebron for an entire segment. That’s how bad his take was,” they wrote.
Look at Stephen A face bro. This man might consider retirement if Skip becomes a regular guest on the show. Skip Bayless had Stephen A defending Lebron for an entire segment. That’s how bad his take was https://t.co/xtMtHo4IFq
— Drone on a cruise 👾 (@Kwintarget) May 8, 2026
Another fan noted how Bayless marked his return to “First Take” with another scathing criticism of LeBron.
“It was his first day back on First Take and his first order of business is spewing the same hate on Bron he has been for years,” they wrote.
It was his first day back on fist take and his first order of business is spewing the same hate on bron he has been for years🤦🏾♂️ this is top tier dickeating! https://t.co/tAXShSkS5b
— Milly Mill (@MillyDaLottoGuy) May 8, 2026
LeBron James continues to go strong at the age of 41 and remains determined to add a fifth NBA title to his locker.
