On Sunday night, LeBron James helped the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 128-117 and clinch the No. 7 seed. However, his celebration after hitting a game-sealing three-pointer from near half-court drew criticism from fans and analysts, including Skip Bayless.
Bayless, a notorious LeBron critic, took to Twitter to mock James for his celebration and criticize him for his three-point shooting this season. He called James “LeBricks” and stated that he has been an embarrassment from three-point range all season, making him one of the NBA’s worst three-point shooters.
Bayless’s tweet seemed to suggest LeBron James did not deserve to celebrate his three-pointer because of his poor performance from beyond the arc this season. He also questioned James’s title as the “King,” asking, “King of what?”
LOLOLOLOL: LeBron puts an imaginary crown on his head after hitting his 8th three in 14 tries to hold off Utah without its best three players. ALL SEASON LEBRON HAS BEEN AN EMBARRASSMENT FROM 3 – ONE OF THE NBA'S WORST 3-POINT SHOOTERS. Just pathetic. King of what? LeBricks???
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 9, 2023
However, James did not seem bothered by Bayless’s comments. He posted a video of his celebration on his Instagram story, with the caption “Year 20!! Still at it!” This response showed that James is not fazed by the criticism and remains focused on his goal of winning another NBA title.
Despite Bayless’s criticism, James’s performance on Sunday was impressive. He hit eight three-pointers, including the game-sealing shot from near half-court. This performance helped the Lakers secure the No. 7 seed and set up a play-in tournament game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As James and the Lakers move forward in the playoffs, James will look to continue his impressive play and silence his critics. While Bayless may continue to criticize James, it is clear that James remains one of the NBA’s top players and a force to be reckoned with on the court.
The Never-Ending Criticism: Skip Bayless’ Relationship with LeBron James
Skip Bayless and LeBron James have a complicated relationship, to say the least. Bayless, a sports commentator, and analyst has been a long-time critic of James, often questioning his abilities and criticizing his performances on and off the court.
Interesting that LeBron gloated the other night about starting off 2-10 and finishing above .500. REALLY??? Since that asterisk Bubble title, LeBron's teams have gone play-in/1st rd exit, miss playoffs and now play-in. He's still scoring at a high level but CAN'T CLOSE. NO GOAT.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 9, 2023
LAKER NATION: You know what happens when LeBron has a rare hot hand from 3, especially while front-running vs a nonplayoff team without its 3 best players. Next game, in a big play-in vs good team, he'll go 2-12.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 9, 2023
HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY TO LEBRON JAMES.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 2, 2023
Bayless has always been vocal about his dislike for James, calling him “overrated” and “overhyped” on numerous occasions. He has even gone as far as to suggest that James does not have the “clutch gene” and cannot perform under pressure.
Despite James’ impressive performances, Bayless continues to criticize him. Even when James hit a game-sealing three-pointer from near half-court to help the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz and clinch the No. 7 seed, Bayless mocked James on Twitter.
Their relationship is a classic case of love and hate. Bayless loves to hate James, while James seems to be unfazed by Bayless’ criticism. As the playoffs continue, it remains to be seen whether Bayless will finally give James his due or continue his never-ending criticism.
