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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-11-02T061357Z_1712092470_MT1USATODAY21795802_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-CLIPPERS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
Last night, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched their first win against the Clippers since 2020, winning in overtime. The Lakers are off to a 2-2 start, falling short of their expectations. Coach Darvin Ham is integrating new players, but there is talk of limiting LeBron James‘ playing time, causing concern for the team.
However, sports analysts Skip Bayless and former NFL legend Shannon Sharpe harbored contradictory opinions about the current position of the team. While one supported the mighty contributions of the star player, the other pointed at the Clippers’ weakest link, which allowed the fall.
Uncle Sharpe pulls the GOAT card
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Amidst the contemporary media landscape, LeBron James is often hailed as the greatest basketball player ever, but Shannon Sharpe’s Monday morning display took it to a whole new level. The “Undisputed,” host celebrated the legend’s outstanding performance with a post on platform X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Wish I was on @FirstTake 2morrow. mask would make it’s 1st of many appearances.”
Wish I was on @FirstTake 2morrow. 🐐 mask would make it’s 1st of many appearances. #GoatJames #LakerNation #LakersWin #Lakers
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) November 2, 2023
Sharpe, well-known for championing LeBron, has previously donned the infamous James “The Land” jersey and a goat mask on multiple occasions to celebrate the legend’s exceptional abilities. LeBron James shone against the Clippers, despite being guarded by Kawhi Leonard, one of the league’s top defenders.
He posted an impressive 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, nearing a triple-double. Despite plans for limited minutes, LeBron played 42:29 minutes, following 33 minutes against the Magic and 39 minutes against the Kings. However, Skip Bayless did not seem to be impressed.
Skip Bayless is not impressed
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Skip Bayless can’t stop discussing Russell Westbrook, who has recently been traded to the Lakers. He was vocal about the Lakers in the 2021-22 NBA season, often blaming Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis for the team’s struggles. While some criticism was valid, Bayless’ comments often leaned towards excessiveness. He recently took to platform X to share his piece of mind on similar lines this season, “The Clippers will never go anywhere with Russell Westbrook as their point guard.”
The Clippers will never go anywhere with Russell Westbrook as their point guard. Only hope: Russ is demoted in favor of James Harden as the starting and finishing point guard.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) November 2, 2023
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He suggested that the only ‘hope’ the team has to deliver themselves from the sorry state is to “demote” Westbrook “in favor of James Harden as the starting and finishing point guard.” However, given the duo’s longstanding feud, the jab is only natural. In Bayless’ view, the feud began with Westbrook and his loyal fans. In a podcast episode, Bayless revealed receiving death threats during a return to Oklahoma City in 2012, stemming from his previous critiques of Westbrook’s performances. The feud has only gotten worse with time with the jabs getting sharper by the day. Who do you think will have the last laugh? Let us know in the comments below!
WATCH THIS STORY: “Entering His 21st Year”: Shannon Sharpe Asserts LeBron James’ NBA Reign is Far From Over