LeBron James has played 56,598 minutes and counting in his NBA career so far. Hence, it would be pretty safe to assume that he has heard every opinion about him, especially from Skip Bayless, who probably has never let an opportunity go by without mentioning the Lakers star. Even during his vacation, the media veteran found time to diss LeBron and praise Michael Jordan. And Gilbert Arenas linked this to the Chicago Bulls era, highlighting why MJ faced minimal criticism.
Many consider the 6x champion to be the primary reason for not only the development of the NBA but also for sports as a whole. People who have grown up watching the 90s era consider him ‘Black Jesus’. As per Arenas, MJ is a revered figure, so nobody would talk down about him. And if people tried to, they would have to face the consequences. “You did not talk down on Michael Jordan’s name or your a** was gone.”
The former Wizards star even gave an example of the current media scenario regarding Skip Bayless. “Skip Bayless what he’s done to LeBron, he wouldn’t had no job past the first m***********g month,” he said on Gil’s Arenas, “You said anything about Michael Jordan bad and Michael Jordan like, your a** didn’t have a job then. There was no making a career off Michael Jordan slander.”
Arenas also spoke highly about the influence of 6x Finals MVP, stating that kids would miss school. Why? To line up to collect the latest Jordan sneakers. He was sharing another anecdote about how Michael Jordan’s smile made everyone’s day. People might agree to disagree, but LeBron James hasn’t hit the same levels of brand-building that MJ did.
Look no further because LeBron’s close friend Carmelo Anthony and his son are fans of Jordan. Such a connection is very difficult to establish and is a reason Jordan’s brand revenue hit 7 billion this year, as per Sportico. And it’s the same thing that Bayless took a shot at LeBron James for.
Michael Jordan and LeBron rivalry has a clear winner, as per Bayless
At the age of 39, representing Team USA at the Olympics, LeBron averaged 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds. Plus, he also contributed 8.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game, earning him the MVP honors after the finals against France. He was also named in the FIBA All-Star Five. But, Skip Bayless did not agree with the earned title.
“Walking through a mall in Palm Desert, CA, I saw these in an up-front window display. Wait, LeBron just stole–sorry, won–Olympic MVP, and this store is featuring Jordan jerseys??? He left Chicago in 1998! Sorry, LeBron, you’re still chasing,” wrote Bayless on X.
Similarly, before the MVP announcement, the media veteran posted a video on X where he crowned Stephen Curry the MVP. But, when LeBron was awarded, he called it a “disgrace” and hinted at politics being involved with potential strings being pulled. This probably won’t be the last time we hear from Bayless about LeBron, nor will it be the last time when the Lakers star is compared with the Bulls legend.
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
