Skip Bayless has once again criticized LeBron James following the Lakers’ unexpected first-round playoff exit in 2025. Bayless, known for his long-standing opposition to James, aired his views on the Lakers’ shortcomings and questioned the meaning behind James’ recent “Coming Home” post, stirring debate about the star’s future with the franchise.
Bayless Highlights Media Overlook of Lakers’ Playoff Upset
On his YouTube show, Skip Bayless emphasized how the broader NBA media has downplayed the Lakers’ surprising loss to the Timberwolves, despite preseason expectations. According to Bayless, betting odds and expert predictions favored the Lakers heavily before the series, a sharp contrast to how the outcome has been framed since their early elimination.
This is what you should really, really remember. The Lakers were strongly favored to beat the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Strongly favored. To hear the NBA media tell it now, this was some pathetic mismatch in favor of Minnesota. That’s the way it turned out. But that is not the way Vegas saw it going in. I mean, the Lakers were completely healthy. They did have homecourt advantage in this series, and they were strong favorites.
— Skip Bayless, Sports Commentator
Bayless underscored that the Lakers entered the series with full health and home-court advantage, which Vegas oddsmakers reflected in their predictions. Despite this, the Lakers were eliminated by a Timberwolves squad that many now portray as overwhelming favorites, a narrative Bayless challenges as misleading.
Statistical Evidence Cited for LeBron’s Playoff Struggles
Bayless pointed to key moments where LeBron James appeared to falter during crucial stages. He noted that James failed to score for nearly 27 minutes straight across the fourth quarters of Games 3, 4, and 5, highlighting a notable decline in his late-game performance. Additionally, Bayless criticized James’ role in the Lakers’ loss in the closing moments of Game 4, attributing some responsibility to the veteran star’s execution.
Questions Raised About LeBron’s Offseason Training Habits
Bayless also addressed recent speculation surrounding LeBron’s offseason activities, particularly his decision to train in Cleveland this summer. This marked a departure from previous years and fueled rumors about his commitment to the Lakers franchise moving forward.
I could be wrong, but I have NEVER once heard of you going back to Cleveland to train in any of your seven Laker summers. Not one time. I don’t remember any other pictures over the years of you training at the Cavs facility? Maybe I missed it. Maybe you did. Maybe just to remind the Lakers, you’re still in charge and you might just finish your career right back where it started?
— Skip Bayless, Sports Commentator
Bayless speculated that LeBron’s offseason trip to Cleveland may signify a message to Lakers management or a hint toward a potential return to where his career began. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about roster changes and LeBron’s influence on team decisions.
Examining the Validity of Bayless’ Claims About LeBron
Bayless’ criticism does contain factual elements, particularly regarding LeBron’s quiet final stretches during key playoff games. However, the broader context suggests that the responsibility does not rest solely on James’ shoulders. Lakers coach JJ Redick’s strategy of playing his core five players heavily in the final halves of Games 4 and 5 deprived them of rest, which impacted performance. Expecting a 40-year-old star to sustain peak physical effort without respite posed significant challenges.
Redick’s decision to minimize substitutions was likely aimed at maintaining defensive stability and leveraging experienced players, but this approach may have backfired by exhausting the team down the stretch. LeBron’s advanced age in an intense playoff environment is a crucial factor often overlooked in assessing his output.
LeBron’s Influence on Lakers’ Roster and Future Moves
LeBron James’ role in team building remains a topic of widespread discussion. Known for his influence in Miami and Cleveland, his impact on Lakers’ transactions continues to draw scrutiny. Bayless noted that James’ recent public behavior, including the “Coming Home” hat photo, appears to be a message aimed at Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, signaling a desire for more support or a reassessment of the current roster.
This dynamic, often referred to as the ‘LeGM’ narrative, highlights James’ determination to shape his surroundings to maximize championship chances. As the Lakers navigate their post-playoff planning, how much sway LeBron wields could be pivotal in future roster decisions.
Potential Implications of Bayless’ Criticism on LeBron’s Legacy
Bayless’ pointed remarks reaffirm the polarized views surrounding LeBron James’ career in its later stages. While LeBron remains one of the most accomplished players in NBA history, his recent playoff shortcomings and off-court indications have intensified scrutiny about his next moves, both on the court and within the organization.
The Lakers’ failure to advance past the first round in 2025 raises important questions about the team’s trajectory, roster construction, and LeBron’s role going forward. As the offseason unfolds, these factors will likely dominate conversations about Los Angeles’ strategy to return to championship contention.
Bayless’ relentless focus on LeBron’s struggles ensures his voice remains a significant presence in debates surrounding the Lakers star. Whether the “Coming Home” message signals the end of LeBron’s tenure in Los Angeles or simply pressures the front office to act, it adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga.