Stephen A. Smith expressed strong disbelief at Skip Bayless’s decision to rank LeBron James ninth in NBA history, calling the placement outrageous.
Smith’s Fiery Response
During his Straight Shooter Show, Smith highlighted his own view of James as the second-greatest player ever. He labeled Bayless a “mad man” for positioning James behind Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, and Larry Bird.
“I’ve got LeBron number 2 all time. This mad man known as Skip Bayless… He’s got LeBron at number 9, at number 9?” Smith said. He continued, “I’m like, come on man, come on man. Skip Bayless done lost his d___ mind it’s ridiculous.”
Bayless’s Persistent Stance on James
Bayless maintains James lacks the “clutch gene” and killer mentality in high-stakes moments compared to those ranked above him. He cites James’s NBA Finals record and free-throw performance under pressure as key factors, despite recognizing his longevity and stats.
This view diverges sharply from the general consensus, where analysts often rank James first or second for his versatility, sustained excellence, and accolades. The divide keeps the GOAT debate intense.
