Skip Bayless: Lakers Are 'Relieved' By LeBron's Departure

Following the news that LeBron James informed the Lakers that he intends to play elsewhere, Skip Bayless decided that he needed to correct the record first.

by Tzvi Machlin

Jun 30, 2026

Skip Bayless at the IAVA 7th Annual Heroes Gala.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Following the news that LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intends to play elsewhere next season, fans immediately rushed to figure out where he'll play. But longtime LeBron James adversary Skip Bayless decided that he needed to correct the record first.

Taking to X after the announcement, Bayless declared that it was not LeBron's agent Rich Paul who informed the Lakers that he was moving on, but rather the organization making it clear that they didn't want him back. He declared that the Lakers are "relieved" to have LeBron gone.

"No, Rich Paul did not "inform the Lakers" that LeBron will play elsewhere next season. They had already made it clear to him he'd have to take very little money to play for the Lakers BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT HIM BACK. LUKA DOES NOT WANT HIM BACK. Lakers are now relieved," Bayless wrote.

Who has the truth?

NBA fans immediately clapped back at Bayless, pointing out that he doesn't have any sources for any of the claims he made about LeBron and the Lakers.

"Skip you have no sources. No one believes anything you say because you don't have insider information," one user on X wrote.

"That’s not true. Lebron didn’t make himself available to meet with the lakers they wanted him back . Quit making up drama," wrote another.

"Give it a break Skip. Of course they wanted him back," a third replied.

“'Luka didn't want him back' please just stfu you know thats not true."

"If the Lakers didn’t want LeBron James back why did they guarantee Bronny’s contract before LeBron made a decision?"

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22, 2024: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and his son Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) sit next to each other on the bench during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Gina Ferazzi/Getty Images

"Jeanie and Robb both publicly said they wanted Bron back. You’re an idiot. This is why you’re stuck doing podcasts now. lmao."

"You need evidence to make claims like that. I thought you were Mr Facts. This sounds like what you wish/think happened in your head."

We'll probably never know with absolute certainty who said what to who in LeBron's departure from the Lakers, but if there is some hidden truth behind it, it's highly doubtful that Skip Bayless managed to get his hands on the intel.