Skip Bayless, known for his criticism of LeBron James, recently claimed that LeBron wasted his first 20 years in the NBA by not improving his jump shot earlier in his career. Despite acknowledging LeBron’s hard work and achievements, including four championships and numerous All-Star appearances, Bayless questioned why LeBron didn’t focus on shooting earlier, suggesting he spent those off-seasons enjoying life and fame instead. Bayless described this critique as a valid question about LeBron’s status as the NBA’s greatest scorer and indicated that LeBron’s late-game improvements were unacceptable, presenting a controversial and exaggerated view of LeBron’s dedication.
Do you recall the four titles, four MVPs, and 19 All-Star appearances that LeBron James achieved in the first two decades of his career? According to Skip Bayless, they were all in vain.
At this point, there is little that Skip Bayless can express about LeBron that raises eyebrows. He has built his career around disparaging LeBron. However, in a recent episode of The Skip Bayless Show, the former ESPN and FS1 host delivered a statement that seemed like he was desperately trying to be provocative.
“Every night, I hear analysts rave about the effort LeBron has put into becoming a better shooter,” Bayless commented. “Just the other night on ESPN, Richard Jefferson, who played alongside LeBron and is a fan of his, praised him for the time and dedication LeBron has invested in enhancing his jump shot. Kudos, LeBron!”
While most sensible individuals recognize and admire LeBron’s commitment to basketball and his ability to refine various aspects of his game at age 40, Bayless questions why those improvements didn’t occur earlier in his career. According to him, this isn’t merely a provocative opinion.
“This isn’t a minor critique; it’s a significant concern. This is a completely reasonable and relevant question regarding the NBA’s greatest scorer,” Bayless asserted. “Why didn’t he focus on improving his shooting after his rookie season? Or after his second or third years? He only enhanced his dismal shooting in his 21st and 22nd years. Just think about that.
“What was he doing during his first 20 off-seasons? He truly squandered 20 years! Seriously! What was he doing in those off-seasons? Earning substantial money off the court, making movies, filming commercials, having fun, exploring the world. I don’t know. Why didn’t LeBron invest time in the gym much earlier to become unguardable as a high-volume three-point shooter, hitting 40% of his attempts?”
Perhaps this opinion shouldn’t come as a shock. By this time, we understand Skip’s routine and are somewhat desensitized to his relentless criticism of LeBron. However, the assertion that LeBron spent the first 20 off-seasons of his career slacking off instead of working diligently was just too ludicrous to overlook.
Michael Jordan captured six championships and five MVPs. Yet, he was never an exemplary three-point shooter. He was not as skilled as LeBron at age 40. What a waste of a career, right?