NBA analyst Skip Bayless was not happy with ESPN’s player rankings, which were released based on the performances of the previous few seasons. LeBron James was placed in seventh place while LA Clippers player Kawhi Leonard took eighth place in the rankings. However, Bayless feels Leonard deserves to be in seventh place.
James was in stellar form in the previous season as he averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 56 games in 2021-22. Despite his great run, the Lakers could not even qualify for the play-in tournament.
On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard could not play in the previous edition due to a knee injury. He averaged 24.8 in the 2020-21 season for the Clippers.
Skip Bayless said on Fox Sports Undisputed, “Well, Kawhi is back. He should be seventh on this list, and LeBron should be eighth because the last time I saw the great leader that LeBron is, he led the Lakers or the Fakers last year to a 33-49 and missed the play-in tournament.”
“You should be relieved that LeBron is as high as 7 on this list. LeBron led the Fakers to a 33-49 record and they missed the Play-In Tournament. Missed the Play-In? With LeBron James on your team? How do you do that?”
Meanwhile, LA Clippers have dominated LA Lakers in the recent past but the latter will be determined to turn the tables in the upcoming season.
Clippers will be boosted by the return of Kawhi Leonard and he will look to be at his best with Paul George whereas the Lakers will want LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook to deliver the goods for them.
Lakers will begin their campaign against reigning champions Golden State Warriors on 19th October.
