Skip Bayless Exposes LeBron James’s Alleged Scheme to Push Austin Reeves Out of the Lakers

In a fiery critique, sports commentator Skip Bayless has accused LeBron James of orchestrating a behind-the-scenes campaign to force Austin Reeves out of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The drama erupted after Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent and close business partner, publicly floated the idea of trading Reeves for Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies on his new podcast.

While LeBron publicly distanced himself from Paul’s remarks, claiming Paul is “his own man,” Bayless sees through the façade, arguing that this is a classic example of LeBron’s manipulative tactics to maintain control and maximize his role on the team.

Bayless points out that Rich Paul’s suggestion to trade Austin Reeves—a beloved, clutch player who has proven his worth, especially during times when LeBron and Anthony Davis were injured—is a blatant signal that LeBron wants Reeves out of the picture.

Reeves, an undrafted player who fought his way onto the roster, has become a fan favorite for his hustle, basketball IQ, and ability to perform under pressure.

Yet, Bayless argues, LeBron views him as competition for touches, minutes, and the spotlight, something the aging superstar is unwilling to tolerate.

LeBron’s denial of involvement in Paul’s comments is met with skepticism.

Bayless reminds fans that Rich Paul’s rise to power is closely tied to LeBron’s influence and that Paul rarely acts without LeBron’s approval.

This pattern of behavior has been seen before, with LeBron’s camp influencing trades and team decisions to suit his preferences.

Bayless calls this “classic snaky, fakey LeBron”—a passive-aggressive, manipulative approach aimed at controlling the Lakers’ roster while maintaining an image of leadership and camaraderie.

The stakes are high because the Lakers have already shown their commitment to Anthony Davis by extending his contract, signaling that Davis is the team’s future.

Meanwhile, LeBron, at 41 years old and in his 23rd season, is no longer the undisputed alpha.

When healthy, the Lakers perform better with Davis and Reeves on the court than with LeBron, which reportedly bruises LeBron’s ego.

Bayless argues that LeBron’s desire to remain the primary focus is driving this attempt to push out Reeves, despite the young guard’s undeniable contributions.

Bayless also highlights the irony that LeBron, often criticized for his performance in clutch moments and his finals record, is pushing to trade away the Lakers’ most clutch player for Jaren Jackson Jr., who has struggled in high-pressure situations this season.

This move, Bayless says, is less about winning and more about LeBron’s personal agenda.

The situation escalated when Austin Reeves’s agent confronted Rich Paul, signaling that they are aware of the manipulation and are standing up for Reeves.

Bayless applauds this resistance, urging the Lakers’ management and fans not to fall for LeBron’s tactics.

He emphasizes that the future of the franchise lies with players like Anthony Davis and Austin Reeves—not with a player whose best days are behind him.

In conclusion, Skip Bayless calls out LeBron James for what he sees as a selfish attempt to control the Lakers roster and legacy.

He warns that this behavior is damaging to the team, to promising young players, and ultimately to LeBron’s own legacy.

The message is clear: Don’t let LeBron get away with running Austin Reeves out of town.