Skip Bayless has spent nearly two decades scrutinizing LeBron James, but numbers tell a different story. James just became the first player in NBA history to hit 50,000 career points, a milestone even Michael Jordan never reached. Yet, despite this historic feat, Bayless has remained LeBron’s harshest critic. Now, former Warriors star Gilbert Arenas is stepping up, challenging Bayless on his long-standing bias. And judging by the numbers, this debate might not end well for Skip
King James recently secured a historic record, becoming the first-ever player in NBA history to reach 50,000 points. The Fox Sports analyst has praised the veteran player for making history at the age of 40. He posted a video on YouTube titled “CONGRATS, LEBRON, FOR 50,000! YOU’RE THE KING OF LONGEVITY (not the GOAT),” where he shared his views regarding LeBron’s achievements. Of course, the compliments were often backhanded and aimed at proving how he’s the GOAT.
Hinting at this, Agent Zero was quick to remind Bayless that he should have focused on James’ game a little earlier and praised his legacy. Bayless then took to social media, officially challenging Arenas to a debate.
After breaking down his take on clutch performance and shooting, Bayless threw down the gauntlet, “I’m not making this up, Gilbert. I do my homework. I actually watch the games. I actually love watching the games. I’m addicted. I know you got a lot going on….But whatever, I would still love to share the air with you, go back and forth on all of the above.”
But it seems Agent Zero had been waiting for this moment. Praising Skip Bayless, Arenas added that he respects the veteran analyst and has studied his work. In his latest video, he seemingly challenged Bayless, stating that he would be back with his argument on the James vs. Jordan conversation.
I’M GOING TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE IF NOBODY ELSE WILL. That means you, Gilbert Arenas. You PLAYED pro basketball but I’m not sure you know or understand pro basketball the way I do.https://t.co/AbkKY02ijQ
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 18, 2025
“I’m coming. Like, I’m going to, I took your 15-minute video and it’s going to take me about three days to get everything that I need to reply to you. Now, welcome to my show. And once I do that, if you still like me at the end of the video, we can go for this next week,” Arenas said. He also added more on how Bayless hasn’t said much about Jordan’s career. Well, this is what Arenas had previously called the analyst out for.
Gilbert Arenas made a bold claim involving Skip Bayless and Michael Jordan
Arenas, in his podcast, suggested that current players face extreme scrutiny. He went on to add that while Bayless has been open about criticizing James’ shortcomings, the analyst has not done the same when it comes to Jordan. And he seems to know what would have happened if Bayless had chosen to do so.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 16: Retired NBA basketball player Gilbert Arenas attends The Rise Challenge presented by Kmart at Microsoft Square at LA Live on July 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keipher McKennie/WireImage)
He even went so far as to claim that Bayless would have never built a career in sports media if he had criticized Jordan as much as he has when it comes to James. “You said anything about Michael Jordan (being) bad… this… and that… your a** didn’t have a job then, right?” he said. Arenas may have a point, considering Bayless’s long-standing reputation for favoring Jordan over James.
Let’s not forget that the former Golden State Warriors have already defeated Bayless in one category. Complex ranked Agent Zero higher than Bayless in its list of top sports media personalities.
Two men, two generations, and one never-ending debate. Skip Bayless has spent years crafting narratives about LeBron. While Arenas has built his platform by tearing those very narratives apart. Now, the stage is set for a direct clash. Will Bayless stand firm in his takes, or will Arenas expose the cracks in his arguments?
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