Skip Bayless reunites with Stephen A. Smith on ‘First Take,’ immediately begins LeBron James hate

After 10 years away, Skip Bayless made his triumphant(?) return to ESPN’s “First Take.” Joining him on the program was none other than Stephen A. Smith, who verbally sparred with Bayless on the show for years before Bayless eventually left ESPN.

It didn’t take long for Bayless to re-acquaint himself with Smith and the program. After confidently announcing, “I’m back,” Bayless took Smith to task for his bad takes, and immediately played the LeBron James card.

It’s borderline insulting to boil down Bayless’ entire career into one, singular take. He did, after all, have over a decade of experience as a respected reporter before his turn as a professional instigator on television. But his hatred of James has become his calling card.

So, it should come as no surprise that Bayless ranks James as the No. 9 best player in NBA history. On most lists, James slots in at second, behind Michael Jordan. Sure, some folks could put James lower on that list, but putting him at nine gives off some “I’m trying to get some attention with this take” energy.

Which, again, this is Bayless’ thing. It’s the reason “First Take” blossomed into what its become. Bayless and Smith have a knack for producing viral takes and using those to build fan engagement and fuel their next viral take. Whether or not you’re a fan of the ouroboros-like nature of their style, the pair did — for better or worse — redefine the sports-debate show.

Given all of that, Bayless’ slander of James was hardly the only inflammatory clip to come out of Friday’s “First Take” appearance. Bayless found a way to hate on Luka Dončić despite him not playing during the playoffs and shared a urine-inspired nickname for Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George. It was as high brow as “First Take” fans remember.

Smith, of course, was able to get in his own strong takes. He argued for James Harden’s Hall of Fame status to be revoked over the guard once again struggling in the playoffs and attacked Bayless for throwing out his Dallas Cowboys paraphernalia in a viral video.

Fans expecting more from Bayless and Smith might be left wanting following Friday’s appearance. While the pair have — and will — undoubtedly walk away from the show with more than enough hot takes to heat up the sports world, Friday’s appearance was a one-time thing for Bayless.

That’s probably for the best. Too much Bayless and Smith could do more harm than good. Unleashing the pair sporadically could be the best course of action for both ESPN and the wider sporting world in 2026.