Skip Bayless never misses an opportunity to needle LeBron James. Hours before Game 1 of the LA Lakers’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets, Bayless issued a challenge to the four-time NBA champion in light of a certain situation with the Rockets head coach.
Going on X, the veteran analyst recalled an incident in which Ime Udoka called James a b**** during a Rockets-Lakers game in December 2023. According to Bayless, LBJ needs to take it to Udoka when their respective teams meet up again this postseason.
“To me, b**** is a fighting word. LeBron, I challenge you, I dare you to make Ime the b****. Show him nobody says that about your son and nobody gets away with saying that to your face.”
As referenced by Bayless, LeBron James apparently has another bone to pick with Ime Udoka. During a Rockets-Lakers game last month, Udoka was caught on camera supposedly asking Lakers head coach JJ Redick to put Bronny James into the game, saying “put that m*****f**ka in.”
LBJ, of course, has been known to be fiercely protective of Bronny, going so far as to confront Bayless’ former on-air partner Stephen A. Smith at a Lakers game to defend his son’s honor. It’s possible that Udoka’s words will be ringing in James’ mind when the Lakers host the Rockets on Saturday.
LeBron James Claps Back at Ron Harper Sr. After Years of Criticism From 5x NBA Champion
Meanwhile, LeBron James himself has delivered a receipt to a five-time NBA champion who has taken shots at him for years.
On the “Mind the Game” podcast, James snuck in a diss at Ron Harper Sr., who has frequently claimed that his former teammate Michael Jordan is a greater legend than LBJ.
“Dylan [Harper] is great. I mean, his daddy ain’t s***, but he’s good. I’ll see him when I see him.”
Back on All-Star Weekend, Harper Sr. claimed that he wasn’t going to dictate his sons’ basketball careers like James does. Clearly, James never forgot this comment.
