Stephen A. Smith & Skip Bayless Set to Reunite After Nine Years—And LeBron James Might Be Their Main Target

For the first time in nearly a decade, two of the most polarizing and influential voices in sports media—Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless—are reportedly reuniting for a new show, setting the stage for what could be the most talked-about sports debate of the year.

Given their history of fiery takes and relentless criticism of NBA superstar LeBron James, fans are already speculating that the four-time NBA champion will once again become a focal point of their discussions.

A Long-Awaited Reunion: Stephen A. Smith & Skip Bayless Back Together

Sports talk television is about to experience a seismic shift as two of the industry’s most recognizable personalities, Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless, are set to join forces once again.

The duo, who previously captivated audiences during their time on ESPN’s First Take, built a legacy on their passionate and often combative debates.

Since their split in 2016—when Bayless left ESPN for Fox Sports to spearhead Undisputed—fans have clamored for a reunion. Now, their wishes may finally be coming true.

According to reports, Smith and Bayless will be co-hosting a new show, though the format and network details have yet to be confirmed.

However, what’s already clear is that their reunion is expected to generate major headlines, particularly regarding their long-standing and often controversial views on LeBron James.

Why LeBron James Might Be the Center of Attention

Throughout their careers, both Smith and Bayless have made it abundantly clear where they stand on LeBron James.

Skip Bayless, in particular, has built an entire brand around critiquing the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.

His relentless skepticism of James’ greatness, his frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan, and his refusal to acknowledge James as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) have made him one of the most famous—and infamous—sports analysts of the past two decades.

Stephen A. Smith, on the other hand, has had a more complex relationship with James.

While he has praised the NBA icon’s skills and accomplishments, he has never shied away from holding him accountable for perceived shortcomings, whether in big-game performances or off-court narratives.

When these two analysts share the screen again, it is almost inevitable that their discussions will revolve around LeBron James’ career, legacy, and his ongoing battle to maintain his dominance in the NBA.

With James nearing the twilight of his career and speculation about his retirement growing, the timing of this reunion could not be more intriguing.

The debate over whether he has surpassed Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time is still a hot-button issue, and Smith and Bayless are likely to reignite the conversation with their signature high-energy analysis.

A Look at Their Past Debates on LeBron James

If history is any indication, the renewed partnership between Smith and Bayless will deliver unfiltered and dramatic sports discourse.

Some of their most memorable takes on James include:

• Skip Bayless’ Relentless GOAT Debate – Bayless has repeatedly dismissed LeBron’s case as the greatest of all time, arguing that his NBA Finals record (currently 4-6) disqualifies him from surpassing Michael Jordan. His refusal to give James full credit for his championships and his emphasis on “clutch gene” arguments have made him one of LeBron’s most vocal critics in the sports media world.
• Stephen A. Smith’s ‘The Decision’ Criticism – Smith has consistently pointed to LeBron’s 2010 move to the Miami Heat as a defining moment in his career. While he has acknowledged James’ greatness, he has also stressed that joining forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh instead of leading a franchise to victory alone was a move Jordan would have never made.
• “LeBron Ain’t Built Like That” – Smith and Bayless have often debated whether James has the same killer instinct as past legends. While Smith has praised James’ passing ability and leadership, he has questioned whether James possesses the same cold-blooded mentality as players like Kobe Bryant and Jordan.

What This Means for Sports Media and Debate Culture

The sports media landscape has changed significantly since Smith and Bayless last shared a desk. With the rise of social media, podcasting, and YouTube-driven content, the way sports fans consume debates has evolved.

However, one thing remains constant: audiences are drawn to compelling, unfiltered opinions, and few do it better than Smith and Bayless.

Their reunion represents more than just nostalgia—it’s a major moment for sports journalism and debate culture.

Given how divisive they have been throughout their careers, this move could reinvigorate sports talk shows and even reshape how networks approach debate-driven programming.

The dynamic between the two also brings an interesting element to the discussion. In the past, Stephen A. Smith played the role of a counterpoint to Bayless’ unwavering criticisms, often bringing balance to the debates.

Now, with both personalities more seasoned and with larger platforms than ever before, their discussions could reach a whole new level of intensity.

How Fans and the NBA Community Are Reacting

As news of their reunion spreads, reactions have been pouring in from sports fans, journalists, and even NBA players.

Many fans are excited about the return of the classic debate style that defined an era of sports talk television.

Others, however, are wary of the potential overemphasis on LeBron James, fearing that the show might become a continuous loop of James-related discussions rather than broader sports coverage.

Meanwhile, members of the NBA community, including players and coaches, will undoubtedly be watching closely.

Over the years, LeBron himself has acknowledged Bayless’ critiques, at times dismissing them and at other times responding with subtle jabs on social media.

It will be interesting to see if James reacts to this reunion, especially if the analysts reignite their long-standing criticisms.

What’s Next for Smith, Bayless, and Their New Show?

While official details regarding their upcoming show are still scarce, one thing is for sure: the return of Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless as co-hosts is set to be a major event in the sports media world.

Whether they focus on LeBron James or expand their discussions to other major sports narratives, their chemistry and ability to generate buzz will make this a must-watch program.

As anticipation builds, fans can only wait and see how the two veteran analysts will approach their latest opportunity to dominate the sports debate scene.

Will it be a continuation of their past debates, or will they introduce a new format that changes the game? Either way, one thing is certain—sports talk is about to get a lot more entertaining.

For now, sports enthusiasts can only speculate and prepare for the debates that are sure to follow.

One thing remains clear: Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are back, and they are bringing their trademark intensity with them.