Skip Bayless' Return To ESPN's 'First Take' Isn't Permanent

For the first time since 2016, Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith debated each other on ESPN's "First Take."

Bayless had an incredible run on "First Take" before taking his talents to Fox Sports. Though he's been away from ESPN for nearly a decade, he picked up where he left off by criticizing Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

"He is the most mentally fragile superstar I have ever closely observed. The poor man, as gifted as he is, was born without the clutch gene. He's a liability at the late-game free thrown line," Bayless said. "He is – by superstar standards – a poor free throw shooter and poor 3-point shooter. You want to talk about launching LeBricks, he's launched a lot of them. He's had so many epic fails that his billions of blind witnesses scrub from his résumé and sweep under their carpets."

Some fans found Bayless' gimmicks this Friday to be exhausting. Others, however, are hopeful that he'll return to ESPN on a full-time basis.

"I know @stephenasmith is mad at me right now and claims he's not going to read me anymore. But I'm going to give him advice: Bring Skip back full time," Bobby Burack of OutKick said. "Smith is much better in a reactionary role than trying to drive the conversation."

"Not going to lie.... Felt good seeing Stephen A and Skip together," former NFL star Torrey Smith wrote. "Spent a major piece of my life watching them argue."

"First Take isn't necessarily my cup of tea but the show is just better with Skip on it," Christine Golic said.

What's the plan for Skip Bayless?

Despite all the love Bayless and Smith are receiving online, ESPN has said this is a one-time reunion.

"ESPN's signature morning debate show First Take, featuring Stephen A. Smith and Shae Cornette, will welcome a mix of new and familiar faces - highlighted by a one-time reunion with former co-host Skip Bayless," the network said in a press release.

Could the decision-makers at ESPN change their opinion? Absolutely, but for now "First Take" will continue to operate without Bayless.

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