Stephen A. Smith did not hold back when reacting to Skip Bayless’ latest all-time ranking, making it clear that even he could not defend what he called an outrageous take on LeBron James .
The long-running debate between the two analysts was reignited after Bayless once again placed LeBron far lower than most would expect, a stance that has defined his position for years.
This time, however, the reaction from Smith carried a different tone. It was not just disagreement. It was disbelief.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Speaking via Stephen A.’s Straight Shooter Show , Smith reacted strongly to Bayless placing LeBron outside even the top five.
“I’ve got LeBron number 2 all time. This mad man known as Skip Bayless that’s right I’m going to call him a mad man for the purposes of this subject matter. He’s got LeBron at number 9, at number 9?
“He’s got Magic Johnson ahead of him, he’s got Shaquille O’Neal ahead of him, he’s got Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ahead of him, he’s got Tim Duncan ahead of him, he’s got Kobe Bryant ahead of him, he’s got Larry Bird ahead of him,” Smith said.
He added, “I’m like, come on man, come on man. Skip Bayless done lost his d___ mind it’s ridiculous.”
The reaction captured just how far apart the two analysts remain when it comes to evaluating LeBron’s legacy, especially considering Smith has consistently ranked him near the very top of the all-time list.
Bayless’ stance is not new, but it remains one of the most controversial positions in the ongoing GOAT debate.
His reasoning centers less on overall production and more on what he describes as “clutch gene” and mentality in high-pressure moments.
Bayless has repeatedly argued that the players ahead of LeBron are “cold-blooded killers,” while questioning LeBron’s late-game performances and decision-making in key situations.
He has also pointed to LeBron’s NBA Finals record and free-throw shooting in crucial moments as factors that prevent him from moving higher on the list, even while acknowledging his longevity and statistical dominance.
That approach stands in sharp contrast to the broader consensus, where most analysts place LeBron either first or second all-time based on his combination of sustained excellence, versatility and career achievements.
It is that gap between opinion and consensus that continues to fuel reactions like Stephen A.’s. Because for many, the debate is close. But not that far apart.
Read more:
