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Stephen A. Smith expressed disbelief over Skip Bayless ranking LeBron James 9th in NBA history, calling it an outrageous take. This latest ranking has reignited their long-standing debate.
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Stephen A. Smith did not hold back when reacting to Skip Baylessā latest all-time ranking, making it clear that even he could not defend what he called an outrageous take on LeBron James.
The long-running debate between the two analysts was reignited after Bayless once again placed LeBron far lower than most would expect, a stance that has defined his position for years.
This time, however, the reaction from Smith carried a different tone. It was not just disagreement. It was disbelief.
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Speaking via Stephen A.ās Straight Shooter Show, Smith reacted strongly to Bayless placing LeBron outside even the top five.
āIāve got LeBron number 2 all time. This mad man known as Skip Bayless thatās right Iām going to call him a mad man for the purposes of this subject matter. Heās got LeBron at number 9, at number 9?
āHeās got Magic Johnson ahead of him, heās got Shaquille OāNeal ahead of him, heās got Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ahead of him, heās got Tim Duncan ahead of him, heās got Kobe Bryant ahead of him, heās got Larry Bird ahead of him,ā Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith reacted because he found Bayless' ranking of LeBron James 9th in NBA history to be outrageous and unbelievable.
Skip Bayless has consistently ranked LeBron James lower than most analysts, a stance that has defined his position for years.
This time, Stephen A. Smith's reaction included disbelief, indicating a stronger emotional response than just disagreement.

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He added, āIām like, come on man, come on man. Skip Bayless done lost his d___ mind itās ridiculous.ā
The reaction captured just how far apart the two analysts remain when it comes to evaluating LeBronās legacy, especially considering Smith has consistently ranked him near the very top of the all-time list.
Baylessā stance is not new, but it remains one of the most controversial positions in the ongoing GOAT debate.
His reasoning centers less on overall production and more on what he describes as āclutch geneā and mentality in high-pressure moments.
Bayless has repeatedly argued that the players ahead of LeBron are ācold-blooded killers,ā while questioning LeBronās late-game performances and decision-making in key situations.
He has also pointed to LeBronās NBA Finals record and free-throw shooting in crucial moments as factors that prevent him from moving higher on the list, even while acknowledging his longevity and statistical dominance.
That approach stands in sharp contrast to the broader consensus, where most analysts place LeBron either first or second all-time based on his combination of sustained excellence, versatility and career achievements.
It is that gap between opinion and consensus that continues to fuel reactions like Stephen A.ās. Because for many, the debate is close. But not that far apart.
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