Skip Bayless recently opened up about his relationship with Stephen A. Smith, saying that Smith lets him push harder than anyone else because he knows Bayless has his back. The two reunited on First Take for the first time since Bayless left ESPN, and their chemistry was immediately obvious to viewers.
The episode covered several familiar debates, including the Dallas Cowboys and LeBron James. Bayless stood by his claim that Tim Tebow was a success in the NFL, calling Tebow’s 80-yard touchdown pass in the 2010 playoff game “the greatest overtime touchdown pass in the history of the National Football League.” Many critics have called Bayless’ support of Tebow an “obsession” and a “shtick,” but he doubled down anyway, reports Awful Announcing.
Smith’s reaction to the Tebow claim was one of clear disbelief, as he looked disgusted and speechless while Bayless made his case. The two also went back and forth about the Dallas Cowboys, with Bayless pointing out that his team has been to six Super Bowls and won four, while Smith humorously brought up how Bayless has reacted over the years to the Cowboys’ playoff failures, including throwing jerseys and other merchandise away.
Operation Sports App
Your ultimate companion for sports gaming. Access in-depth coverage, thoughtful discussion, and a community built around the games—and sports—you love.
Your ultimate sports gaming companion.
Bayless ranking LeBron at No. 9 all-time tells you everything about how he sees mental toughness in basketball
One of the most talked-about moments from the episode was Bayless placing LeBron James at No. 9 on his all-time NBA greats list, which left Smith visibly shocked. Bayless explained that the eight players ranked ahead of James were “cold-blooded basketball killers, who I would trust with games for my life.” He also said, “LeBron James, to me, has proven over many, many years to be the most mentally fragile superstar I have ever closely observed.”
Bayless backed up his ranking by pointing to LeBron’s 4-6 NBA Finals record and his poor three-point and free-throw shooting in late-game, clutch situations. However, he did give LeBron credit in one major area, calling him “longevity GOAT” and stating, “He’s the most durable player in the history of sports.” In other sports news, UFC 328 betting lines are raising serious red flags that have caught the attention of the FBI.
On his relationship with Smith, Bayless explained, “He won’t let anybody get away with any of that stuff to his face except me, because he knows I love him, and respect him, and always have his back.” This gives a clear reason for why Smith allows Bayless to push him in ways that others simply cannot.
The reunion got attention on social media as well, with media personality Clay Travis saying that First Take should have Bayless on regularly during the NFL season. In a completely different story making rounds online, an Arizona man’s proposal was ruined by a stranger who walked in and refused to leave, which has left many people stunned.
It is clear that Bayless and Smith still have strong on-screen chemistry, and their debates remain some of the most watched in sports television, per Fox News. Whether fans agree with their takes or not, Bayless and Smith continue to draw attention and keep audiences engaged, and this reunion made it obvious that their dynamic has not faded over time.
Published: May 11, 2026 02:45 pm