During the team’s recent two-game losing streak, legendary NBA broadcaster Skip Bayless blasted LeBron James, the LA Lakers’ superstar.
Bayless, notorious for his harsh criticism of James, accused the media of absolving the four-time MVP of responsibility for his team’s faults.
“LeBron eclipses Aaron Rodgers as the most overprotected superstar in sports history,” Bayless said during an episode of The Skip Bayless Show.
The Lakers’ losses included a nail-biting 119-118 setback to the Orlando Magic, despite the absence of their star player, Paolo Banchero, and a crushing 127-102 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
These back-to-back defeats brought an abrupt end to the Lakers’ six-game winning streak and dropped their record to 10-6, placing them fourth in the Western Conference.
Bayless specifically criticized James’ late-game performances, pointing to his career free-throw percentage of 74%, which ranks 682nd all-time. “LeBron, for his career, is a 74% free-throw shooter. That ranks, since he came into the league, 682nd all-time,” Bayless highlighted. He further noted James’ missed opportunities during the Orlando game, where he went 2-for-4 at the charity stripe and failed to seal the win.
“On late and close free throws, he’s the worst since he came into the league, by far,” Bayless said.
He also accused James of avoiding high-pressure moments, adding, “He’s hiding from the basketball. He’s acting like he’s some kind of decoy. He’s no decoy. He’s LeBron bleeping James.”
Bayless suggested that James’ lack of assertiveness against the Magic carried over to the next game, contributing to the Lakers’ listless performance against the Nuggets.
“They were flat, they were lifeless, they looked drained, and they looked uninspired, I believe because their leader had failed them on Thursday night at home,” Bayless explained. The Nuggets capitalized on this lackluster showing with a 50-17 scoring run.
While criticism of James’ leadership has persisted throughout his career, his individual statistics this season remain impressive. As he approaches his 40th birthday, LeBron James is averaging 23.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game while shooting 51.1% from the field and an exceptional 42.2% from beyond the arc.
The debate surrounding LeBron James’ legacy continues to spark intense discussion. Fans and analysts alike question whether his statistical brilliance outweighs the perceived lapses in clutch situations. As the Lakers look to bounce back, all eyes remain on James to lead the team with the poise and decisiveness that has defined his storied career.
