Skip Bayless Issues Challenge To LeBron James Before NBA Playoffs

LeBron James might have revenge on his mind when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Houston Rockets in the opening round of the NBA playoffs.

Back in December 2023, Rockets coach Ime Udoka called James a "b---h" during an argument near the sideline. That language didn't fly with James, who replied: "We're all grown men, that b---h word ain't cool."

Udoka then doubled down on his initial stance. He told James, "Soft a-- boy, stop b---hing. Acting like you're gonna do something."

With the Rockets-Lakers series set to begin this Saturday, former FS1 personality Skip Bayless issued a personal challenge to James.

"To me, b---h is a fighting word. LeBron, I challenge you, I dare you to make Ime the b---h," Bayless said. "Show him nobody says that about your son and nobody gets away with saying that to your face."

Obviously, James isn't going to publicly address that challenge from Bayless. He could, however, send a message to Bayless and Udoka with his play on the court.

All eyes on LeBron this series.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they won't have Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the start of this series. They're dealing with hamstring and oblique injuries, respectively.

"They're out indefinitely," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "I'm not going to have an update for you this week.

Doncic was having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 33.5 points and 8.3 assists per game. With the Slovenian superstar sidelined for at least the next few games, the Lakers will need James to turn back the clock at the age of 41.

Game 1 of the Rockets-Lakers series will tip off Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 9:24 AM.