"King against the Kings": Skip Bayless awe-struck after LeBron James explodes in 4th quarter against Sacramento
Veteran analyst Skip Bayless expressed his admiration for LeBron James following the Lakers’ 131-127 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Known for his critiques of LeBron since the four-time NBA champion entered the league, Bayless took a more humble approach, referring to the Lakers superstar as "King" after his spectacular performance.
Skip’s genuine acknowledgment of LeBron’s performance came after the four-time league MVP erupted in the fourth quarter, single-handedly carrying his team to victory. The 20-time NBA All-Star scored 16 points in just three minutes, leading the Lakers’ incredible 21-0 run in the final quarter.
"I got nothing bad to say about LeBron tonight. I'm in awe!!!" Skip wrote on X (formerly Twitter) and raved about the Lakers superstar in the video attached to the tweet.
Skip posted the video praising LeBron after the Lakers clinched the win, but shortly after witnessing LeBron's remarkable three-minute stretch, the veteran analyst shared his candid thoughts in a tweet on X.
"LeBron had been pretty quiet until the 4th. Knecht came in and made a 3 and LEBRON WENT CRAZY MAKING SHOTS. Now the Lakers have roared back to take control against their nemesis Kings. KING>>>>>>KINGS," Skip said.
LeBron’s sensational fourth-quarter effort helped the Lakers erase a seven-point deficit at the start of the final period, preserving the franchise’s unbeaten start to the season.
LeBron James in 4th quarter vs. Kings
Even in his 22nd season, LeBron James continues to set records. After his stupendous fourth quarter display against the Sacramento Kings, LeBron became the first player in NBA history to post at least 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a single quarter on perfect 100% shooting from the floor.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick was equally impressed by his superstar’s fourth-quarter dominance, openly describing LeBron’s ability to still take over games at this stage in his career as “insane.”
"To get that performance to start the fourth from LeBron, what can you say?" Redick told reporters after the game. "We've all been fortunate to watch his greatness for very long and the fact that he's still doing it is insane."
LeBron’s impact extended well beyond scoring as he excelled in all aspects of the game, ultimately earning his 131st career triple-double.
The veteran forward concluded the night with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, shooting 54.5% from the field, including 44.4% from beyond the arc.
Also read: JJ Redick reacts to LeBron James' "insane" 4th quarter performance against Kings