While most people consider LeBron James one of the greatest players ever, media veteran Skip Bayless has always been critical of him. Undermining his on-court achievements and frequently talking negatively about him, Skip has even been deemed a LeBron ‘hater’ by many of his viewers. So, as expected, the Lakers vet’s fans were ecstatic when they found out that this year could be Bayless’ last on TV.

Over the last eight years, Skip has been the face of the show ‘Undisputed’. But the latest reports suggest that he will leave the show as well as the FS1 network this summer. Maybe some of it has to do with the show losing its popularity ever since his co-host Shannon Sharpe left. However, with his four-year $32 million contract ending, Skip is expected to host his final Undisputed episode later this year. As he prepares for his departure, let’s look at 5 instances when he unleashed his wrath on the four-time champ.

1. LeBron James is not in Skip Bayless’ Top-5

With his constant criticism of LeBron, Skip has made it clear that the 39-year-old is not his favorite. But with all that King James has achieved in his career, you would think that he would at least have cracked the media veteran’s top five. Well, that myth was busted during an eight-year-old episode of Undisputed as Bayless named five players who he thought were better than James.

“Let’s say I’m looking at the top five and I say there’s no way that LeBron James belongs above, I’ll just throw out five players to you,” he said, ranking Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Tim Duncan over the Kid from Akron. What was surprising was that just a few months before that take, James had pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in Finals history by defeating a 73-win Warriors team and leading the Cavs to a title.

2. 52-year-old Michael Jordan could beat LeBron James one-on-one

While the Top 5 list depends on an individual’s personal opinion, Skip took his critical report one step further. He once claimed that an aging Michael Jordan could beat LeBron James! This was after a survey was conducted among 1471 voters, out of which 34% picked MJ. And sticking to his critical persona, Skip agreed with those people as Stephen A. Smith sat there in utter disbelief, “You know Stephen A. Smith, you know. He (MJ) just might be able to (beat LeBron).”

Although it is a legitimate debate if both players were in their prime, however, to claim that a former player who’s crossed his 50s would beat a still-active LeBron James is highly disrespectful to the four-time champion.

3. Skip Bayless picks Kevin Durant over LeBron James

Another such instance came before the 2012 Finals when a LeBron James-led Miami Heat was set to face Kevin Durant’s OKC. Skip argued that KD was a more complete player. “I think Kevin Durant is more of a complete package. He is a far better shooter than LeBron ever thought about being. I’m talking about jump shots, especially free throws. He is, as you say, a far better closer.”

Now yes, many could argue that Kevin Durant is a much more efficient scorer. But with LeBron being top ten in almost every category, including assists, rebounds, and many others, he is a far more complete player than the current Suns star. More importantly, at the time, LeBron was already a three-time MVP, while KD had no such hardware.

4. LeBron James is not a first-ballot Hall of Famer?

Whether you like him or not, no one would bat an eye if LeBron James was inducted into the Hall of Fame today. But in 2012, while he was still pursuing a title, Skip claimed that he hadn’t stacked up enough accolades to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer. During a segment on First Take, he said, “I can’t respect the criteria for getting into the Basketball Hall of Fame the way I can the baseball and the football Hall of Fame.”

“So, if I’m judging by those standards, the baseball and football standards, there is no way that LeBron James is already a first ballot Hall of Famer.” While Bron was much younger and had not won a title, he had multiple MVP trophies to his name. He’d broken several records, too. So, Skip’s argument left many jaw-dropped, and fans saw it as him hating the King.

5. Skip Bayless saw Johnny Manziel overshadowing LeBron in Cleveland

Well, Skip’s criticism of LeBron over the years hasn’t been limited to basketball. In fact, he made a bold claim about James ten years ago when the Cleveland Browns drafted Johnny Manziel late in the draft, “I will go right down the list of teams that will forever regret passing on Johnny Manziel, who pretty soon will change football life in Cleveland, Ohio.”

“One day, I’m predicting, Johnny Manziel will become even bigger in the city of Cleveland than his buddy and business partner LeBron James ever was in the city of Cleveland.” Just two seasons later, Skip fell flat on his face. His prediction turned out to be inaccurate as Manziel’s career came to an early end, while LeBron led the Cavs to a Championship solidifying himself as the greatest athlete to come out of Cleveland.

With so many instances of Skip’s criticism on national television, LBJ’s fans couldn’t contain their excitement after hearing about his tenure with Undisputed coming to an end. And sure enough, the internet started flooding with comments pointing out that LeBron James outlasted Skip’s media career! However, we might see the media veteran back on television in case he signs a new contract with some other network. So, while his Undisputed era is over, never rule out the impossible!

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonard Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!