Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith Reunite for Podcast Episode
Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith are two of the most polarizing figures in all of sports media. Both have come under fire many times throughout their careers for their controversial takes, which is also why they have had such long and successful careers. While their views and opinions stir up plenty of controversy and debate, they’re also recognized as the most popular figureheads in all of sports media.
They both worked at ESPN together doing First Take until 2016 when Skip Bayless left for FS1 and a chance to host his own show Undisputed with co-host Shannon Sharpe. Last Friday, the two reunited for an episode of The Skip Bayless Show where they discussed their early careers, Stephen A. Smith’s recent contract with ESPN, and of course, LeBron James.
When discussing his newly signed $100 million contract extension, he gave Skip Bayless all the respect in the world, crediting him and Jamie Horowitz for his successful career. “You gotta start back to the origins of where it all began, and it all began with you” he began. “We all know to be in the position that I’m in today, to sign the kind of contract I just signed today, it does not happen if it was not for First Take, and First Take never happens if it wasn’t for Skip Bayless.”
Skip Bayless played an instrumental role for Stephen A. Smith to spring onto the scene as a television personality. He often fought for his costar to become a more prominent figure on the network and its growing First Take audience. Jamie Horowitz who was Stephen A. Smith’s boss at First Take at the time, was also credited as a huge part of Stephen A. Smith’s current success.
“The Longevity Goat” – Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith Talk G.O.A.T
As usual between sports pundits, the topic of the G.O.A.T came up when transitioning into discussing LeBron James’s 50,000 career points. Both men are huge fans of Michael Jordan, and both consistently maintain that he is the greatest player of all time, and there is no debate needed. But when asked about his recent comments about this debate on First Take, Stephen A. Smith clarified his point. While both agreed Jordan was way better at his peak, Stephen A. Smith reiterated his stance.
“I’ve also never seen someone as great for as long as they have been great as LeBron James… LeBron is in his 22nd year averaging 25-10-8, it is undeniable… He won player of the month for the month of February in 2025 just like he won player of the month in February in 2005.” Both Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith agreed to dub him the “longevity G.O.A.T.”
“They Are Becoming A Force” – Skip Bayless On Lakers Defense
When the topic of the new-look Lakers squad came up, both agreed that they are shocked and extremely impressed by their recent defensive performances. Stephen A. Smith talked about how JJ Redick has greatly exceeded expectations and has instilled a rigid defensive mindset to go along with his offensive genius.
“Not only do I love what I’m seeing, I’m shocked by what I’m seeing…We asked those questions, and we didn’t realize that JJ Redick has proven to be one hell of a coach…. “I’ve never seen the Lakers in the Frank Vogel era, in the Darvin Ham era, play defense like this. The accountability factor that JJ Redick has created… he’s got the team buying in.”
Skip Bayless nodded his head in approval the entire time and agreed with Smith on every point. “They are becoming a force on defense, and I can’t believe those words are coming out of my mouth” he exclaimed. He also added afterwards that JJ Redick’s job got drastically easier with the acquisition of Luka Doncic. “He’s got two Magic Johnsons running his offense!”
The Los Angeles Lakers will look to improve on their stellar season so far tonight when they face the Brooklyn Nets. They’re also beginning a very tough stretch to end the regular season, as their remaining games are against many top opponents. They play the Bucks and Nuggets two times each, and also have to contend with the Warriors, Rockets, and Grizzlies. While they’re currently the second seed in the west, a tough remaining schedule just got harder with injuries to a few key players including LeBron James. Until the roster is back to full health, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will do the bulk of the ball handling and carry the squad through the rest of the season.
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