Skip Bayless Delivers Fiery First Reaction After LeBron James Opens Year 23 With Epic Performance

LeBron James made his long-awaited season debut against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, delivering a vintage, statement performance. As expected, longtime critic Skip Bayless wasted little time responding, offering a sharp and fiery take on James’ return.

Sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), Bayless praised the performances of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves before taking a jab at LeBron, calling him the ideal “third wheel.”

"Luka (37 and 10 assists) made a statement tonight as LeBron (11 and 12 assists) returned: IT'S MY TEAM. Austin Reaves had 26. LeBron: a very good 3rd wheel." Bayless said.

Skip Bayless

@RealSkipBayless

Luka (37 and 10 assists) made a statement tonight as LeBron (11 and 12 assists) returned: IT'S MY TEAM. Austin Reaves had 26. LeBron: a very good 3rd wheel.

LeBron opened his 23rd NBA season with a solid double-double, finishing with 11 points and 12 assists. But rather than acknowledge the balanced outing, Bayless zeroed in on everything else. He argued that LeBron’s night was overshadowed by Doncic's 37-point performance, claiming it was proof that the Lakers had become Luka’s team.

Despite Bayless’ jabs, Lakers fans have plenty to celebrate with LeBron back in action. Los Angeles has struggled to create chances off the wings and lacked a defensive orchestrator to support Ayton. LeBron ticked both boxes on his return as the Lakers beat the Jazz 140-126.

The four-time NBA champion missed the start of the season for the first time in 23 years due to a sciatica issue. The nerve condition, which affected his lower back and right side, kept James sidelined for 14 games.

Now back in the lineup, the former MVP is set to bolster the Lakers (11-4). Sitting three games behind the OKC Thunder, his return could be a key factor as Los Angeles looks to assert dominance in the Western Conference.

Skip Bayless mocked LeBron James with his "LeBrick" moniker during Halloween

Skip Bayless has long been one of LeBron James’ most vocal critics, routinely challenging the Lakers star’s “GOAT” credentials. But this year, the commentator took his criticism to another level, using Halloween as an opportunity to escalate his jabs at the four-time champion.

During Underdog's Halloween edition of "The Arena," Bayless showed up wearing a LeBron James jersey, while carrying a brick in his hand, and dubbed himself "LeBrick James." Continuing to make fun of the Lakers icon, Bayless expressed:

"There’s no scarier sight, than LeBrick James trying to make a late game clutch shot."

With LeBron James back on the court Tuesday, it’s safe to expect more pointed mockery from Bayless, who rarely misses a chance to aim at the Lakers star.