"Playing longer does not make you better": Skip Bayless doubles down why LeBron James still not top 10 of all time

LeBron James' remarkable achievement of becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 points left many fans and analysts stunned. Apart from the praise James received from his peers, many of whom were in disbelief at the accomplishment, the achievement cemented his place in NBA history.

Apart from being the league's all-time leading scorer, he's the only one with 40,000 points. Renowned LeBron James-critic Skip Bayless wasn't nearly as impressed, though. While fans argued whether James' 40,000 points firmly put him in a position to be crowned as the GOAT, others weren't sold.

Over the years, the discourse surrounding the GOAT conversation has largely centered on James' longevity. Specifically, whether or not James' longevity and career achievements beat out Jordan's six titles and defensive skills.

The way Bayless sees things, just because James has been around for a long time doesn't mean that he's a better player than Jordan. He said on The Skip Bayless Show:

"Before 40,000 points I had LeBron ninth on my all-time list. After 40,000 points, I still have LeBron ninth on my all-time list. Because playing longer does not make you better or more valuable. I'm sorry, LeBron James is not better than Larry Bird, who I have at eight, one notch ahead of him."

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Looking at Skip Bayless' all-time top-10 list amid latest comments about LeBron James

Skip Bayless' comments indicating that he doesn't have LeBron James in his top five sparked widespread criticism from fans, many of whom disagreed with his list.

Nevertheless, Bayless took things one step further, as seen above, by saying that James isn't better than Larry Bird. He broke down his top 10 list, which is as follows:

1. Michael Jordan
2. Magic Johnson
3. Shaquille O'Neal
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
5. Tim Duncan
6. Bill Russell
7. Kobe Bryant
8. Larry Bird
9. LeBron James
10. Wilt Chamberlain

As Bayless explained, Kobe Bryant and Larry Bird, who sit at seven and eight on his all-time list, were better shooters and closers than James. Moreover, he also argued that James wasn't more valuable than Bill Russell, Tim Duncan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal.

As Bayless explained, those big men were not only more valuable than James on the court, but he considers O'Neal to be the most dominant player he has ever seen, which may not be controversial.

According to the outspoken TV personality, James has never been the leader Magic Johnson was, going back to Johnson's NCAA run. Last but certainly not least, Bayless indicated that James has never been Jordan, listing him as "obviously" the best player ever.

Apart from his defensive attributes, Jordan's 10 scoring titles earned him the GOAT spot on Bayless' list. With the list being so controversial, it's likely to continue to spark fierce debates.