Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless reignite rivalry over Lakers being better off without LeBron James

The iconic and polarizing duo of Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are back on “First Take” together Thursday morning.

And per usual, these two got into a heated argument, this time about whether the Los Angeles Lakers are better off without LeBron James.

LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, Nov. 4, 2026. Getty Images

“Isn’t that obvious to you?” Bayless said when Smith posed the question.

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“No!” Smith said.

Stephen A. Smith speaking to Skip Bayless on ESPN’s “First Take” show. (X/@FirstTake).

“I believe that Luka Dončić got sick and tired of having to share the stage with a LeBron James who couldn’t live up to being LeBron James anymore, as he hit 40 years of old,” Bayless added.

“Oh my god,” Smith responded while putting his hand over his face.

Skip Bayless arguing with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s “First Take” show. (X/@FirstTake).

Bayless then praised Dončić for developing his game and working on his weaknesses over the years, including his physical shape and his defense.

“Now the stage has been cleared of a LeBron James who, I’ve gotta say this, his LA tenure was completely overrated,” Bayless added.

The debate about whether the Lakers are indeed better off without King James will likely continue throughout this season.

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But witnessing Bayless and Smith — who worked together on “First Take” for four years until Bayless departed for Fox Sports in 2016 — reignite their rivalry over the LeBron-Lakers debate feels nostalgic for sports fans, regardless of which side of the debate they’re on.

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/stephen-smith-skip-bayless-reignite-185535884.html

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Publish date : 2026-11-05 18:55:00

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