Skip Bayless delivered a sharp monologue Thursday on The Skip Bayless Show, expressing rare sympathy for LeBron James amid the Lakers’ organizational shift toward Luka Doncic.
Bayless, a longtime critic of James, said he now feels sorry for the 40-year-old forward, claiming Doncic has outmaneuvered him both on and off the court.
“Luka just LeBron’d LeBron,” Bayless said, accusing the younger star of using media tactics James once mastered to reshape public perception in his favor.
The sports analyst pointed to Doncic’s recent Men’s Health cover and offseason fitness transformation as a calculated move that “outshaped even LeBron,” portraying Doncic as the new face of the Lakers’ franchise.
Bayless also referenced James’ Instagram post from the Clippers’ facility, calling it “sad” and “bitter,” and suggested it reflected the veteran’s growing frustration with his uncertain future in Los Angeles.
The Lakers recently signed Doncic to a three-year, $165 million max extension, signaling a long-term commitment to the 26-year-old guard. James, meanwhile, opted in to his $52.6 million player option for 2025–26, but received no early extension offer.
Bayless noted that James is entering a contract year for the first time in his career and claimed the Lakers appear prepared to move on after next season.
“This after his last three Lakers playoff runs ended in shame,” Bayless added, citing the team’s 2-12 record in James’ last 14 postseason games.
He also speculated that the Lakers would not offer James another high-value deal beyond this year, due to salary cap concerns and Doncic’s escalating contract.
Bayless floated the possibility that James might consider retirement, a farewell tour, or a move to another team like Cleveland, New York, Golden State, or Houston depending on how the season unfolds.
He closed by suggesting that LeBron is “no longer in control” of his career narrative and is experiencing a reversal of roles: “Luka is turning into LeBron — on the court, off the court, and in the court of public opinion.”
