Skip Bayless Confirms He Doesn’t Hate LeBron James, Reveals Reasons Behind Harsh Criticism

LeBron James is arguably one of the greatest players ever to have played the game of basketball. From time to time, LBJ has silenced his critics with his on-court brilliance, but there is one name that sticks up like a sore thumb when it comes to his accomplishments, Skip Bayless.

The 69-year-old is often seen as a LeBron-hater and it’s easy to see why. Be it Bayless criticizing LeBron for missing free throws or accusing him of chucking three pointers, Skip does it all.

Skip Bayless clarifies that he doesn’t hate LeBron James

In a recent appearance on Undisputed, the veteran pundit clarified that he doesn’t hate LeBron James and explained why his criticisms of the 36-year-old are so rampant.

“I do think LeBron is a nice guy. In fact, I hate the perception that I hate LeBron James. Nothing galls me more than that perception. Because I do not hate LeBron. I do think he’s one of the nicest guys in sports history.”

Bayless went on to explain that he criticizes the 36-year-old as he prefers Jordan as the true G.O.A.T.“And yet, that’s the start of my problem with him because every day on Undisputed I have to defend my guy, the true GOAT, Michael Jordan against LeBron.

“Because I sit across from a guy, Shannon Sharpe, who believes heart and soul that LeBron is the goat the greatest of all time. And that’s just blasphemy.

“That’s just silly. That’s just dead wrong. I think Shannon knows it deep down, but he won’t give it up. So, everything I say about LeBron is in defense of the true GOAT Jordan against the phony GOAT LeBron.

“And it’s probably not fair to LeBron, but I have no choice but to focus, occasionally, if not often on his glaring weaknesses, his un-Jordan qualities.” 

Known for being a long-time Jordan fan, Bayless has constantly taken jabs at LBJ for not being as good as the Bulls’ legend. He didn’t spare a chance this time either and was singing praises for Jordan. “Michael Jordan, whom I had the pleasure of getting to know in Chicago, coldest blooded basketball killer there ever was.

“Absolute assassin. Not always the nicest guy. I got along with him. But a whole lot of people did not. And he didn’t care.”

Despite the constant criticism, LeBron remains one of the finest players to ever have graced the court. If he can continue being the beast that he has been for 18 years, it won’t be long until he eclipses his idol, Michael Jordan.