The long-awaited reunion between Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's First Take finally happened this Friday, but fans hoping for a permanent comeback are out of luck. The network has confirmed that the fiery debate was a one-time event, not the start of a new era.
Bayless, who left ESPN for Fox Sports in 2016, wasted no time diving into his signature style. He immediately targeted Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, calling him “the most mentally fragile superstar I have ever closely observed.” Bayless went on to question James' clutch gene, free-throw shooting, and three-point accuracy, even coining the term “LeBricks” for his misses.
“The poor man, as gifted as he is, was born without the clutch gene. He’s a liability at the late-game free throw line,” Bayless said. “He’s had so many epic fails that his billions of blind witnesses scrub from his résumé and sweep under their carpets.”
Some viewers found the theatrics exhausting, but many others were thrilled to see the old chemistry back. Social media lit up with calls for a permanent return, including from OutKick’s Bobby Burack, who argued that Smith shines in a reactionary role alongside Bayless. Former NFL star Torrey Smith also chimed in, admitting it felt good to watch them argue again.
Despite the buzz, ESPN was clear from the start. In a press release, the network stated that First Take would “welcome a mix of new and familiar faces — highlighted by a one-time reunion with former co-host Skip Bayless.” There are no plans to bring him back full time.
Could that change? Absolutely. Sports media is unpredictable, and if ratings spike or fan demand grows, executives might reconsider. But for now, the show will continue with Stephen A. Smith and Shae Cornette at the helm.
Bayless’ criticism of LeBron James isn’t new. He’s famously placed eight legends ahead of LeBron in his all-time rankings, a list that has fans fuming. His take on James’ mental toughness is just the latest chapter in a long-running feud.
While the reunion was brief, it reminded many of the golden days of First Take. Whether that nostalgia will ever translate into a permanent return remains to be seen.
