Skip Bayless Couldn’t Avoid Slighting LeBron James Amidst Scoring Title

James is officially the NBA’s all-time leader in points scored.

LeBron James’ 38-point performance Tuesday night officially put him ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-time scoring title.

While most were heaping praise on James’ achievement, FOX Sports analyst Skip Bayless took the time to throw more aimless shots at the new NBA scoring leader. Bayless constantly tweeted throughout the night, belittling James’ achievements by comparing him to Michael Jordan.

LeBron has played 338 more games than MJ did. Yet MJ won 10 scoring titles to LBJ's 1. MJ: 3 steals titles to LBJ's 0. MJ: DPOY & 9-time 1st team all D to LBJ's 5. MJ 5-4 in MVPs. MJ 6-0 in Finals, 6 MVPs. MJ averaged 8 assists in '89. MJ FTs 84% to LBJ's 74. MJ: RUNAWAY GOAT.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 8, 2023

Deep down, LeBron James knows who the true GOAT is.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 8, 2023

James has always been a target of criticism from Bayless, ever since he was with the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014. Bayless went on to disregard James’ accomplishment on the night by highlighting the Lakers’ poor record.

No doubt LeBron was drained by the celebration, and his foot was bothering him late in the game ... but sorry to say, the Thunder just looked like the better basketball team tonight. As great as LeBron is playing, his team is now 5 games under .500, mired in 13th place.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 8, 2023

Bayless then nitpicked James’ acceptance speech, condemning James for cursing on national television.

Great acceptance speech by LeBron ... but could've done without the concluding f-bomb, even though it summed up his overwhelmed emotion.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 8, 2023

These critiques are nothing new for James, who had to hear negative comments ever since he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2003. He ignored those critics, including Bayless, and is now the NBA’s all-time leader in points scored. Instead of focusing on backlash, James gave praise to those who uplift and believe in him.

A lifetime of work leading to this moment.

Dreams to reality for the all-time #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/y26vNTsNSE

— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023

“To everybody that’s been with me the last 20+ years, I thank you so much because I wouldn’t be me without y’all,” James said in his speech Tuesday night. “All your help, passion, and sacrifices helped me get to this point. To the NBA, Adam Silver, and the late great David Stern, I thank you guys so much for allowing me to be a part of something I’ve always dreamed about. I would’ve never in a million years dreamt this even better. So, f*** man, thank you guys!”

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.