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Skip Bayless plays ‘nice’ with grade for LeBron James’ 8-year Lakers tenure
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- Skip Bayless plays ‘nice’ with grade for LeBron James’ 8-year Lakers tenure
Skip Bayless plays 'nice' with grade for LeBron James' 8-year Lakers tenure appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
A veteran sports analyst, perhaps one of LeBron James ' harshest critics, graded the future Hall of Fame forward's eight-year tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers . James led the Lakers to a championship in 2020 . However, they haven't returned since and are going their separate ways as they head into the 2026-27 season.
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While James announced he will return for a 24th NBA season, it isn't clear which team he plans on playing for. Either way, Bayless graded LeBron's time with the Lakers.
"I give LeBron a C for his 8 years as a Laker," Bayless said. "And I'm being nice."
"In LeBron's eight years, he has missed the playoffs twice as a Laker. He has been swept twice as a Laker, and he has been gentleman's sweep twice as a Laker," Bayless said.
Regarding the Lakers retiring LeBron James' jersey one day, Skip Bayless isn't opposed to it, given he brought the city a title, but it doesn't, for Bayless, excuse the fact that he was average throughout his eight years with the Lakers.
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Skip Bayless loves the Lakers' offseason moves post LeBron James
NBA analyst Skip Bayless addressed the Lakers' post-LeBron James era , pointing to the team's front office for getting things off on the right foot ahead of the 2026-27 season.
"Strong move by the Lakers to acquire and sign Walker Kessler, the shotblocker/offensive rebounder/pick-and-roller Luka has lacked and wanted," Bayless said. "Mamu, Sexton & Grimes aren't bad pickups, either. All this was made possible by saying no to LeGone's demand."
For Bayless, the Lakers let James walk via free agency, with plans to build their team around All-Star Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler.
Related: NBA reporter questions Lakers trading for Walker Kessler over Jaylen Brown
Related: Sandro Mamukelashvili's 'family' free agency message will warm fans' hearts
