Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless, two of the most recognizable figures in sports media, are set to reunite for the first time in nearly a decade on an episode of The Skip Bayless Show podcast.
This marks their first on-air collaboration since Bayless left ESPN’s First Take in 2016 to join FS1’s Undisputed. The episode, which was reportedly taped on Friday, is slated to be released early this week, generating significant buzz among sports fans and media observers.
Smith and Bayless were co-hosts on First Take from 2012 to 2016, a period that transformed the show into a powerhouse of sports debate television. Their dynamic—marked by fiery exchanges, contrasting opinions, and a knack for polarizing audiences—helped elevate the program’s profile before Bayless departed for FS1, where he partnered with Shannon Sharpe on Undisputed. Since their split, Smith has solidified his status as a leading voice at ESPN, recently signing a five-year, $100 million contract, while Bayless, after leaving FS1 in August 2024, has focused on his independent podcast.
The reunion comes after years of public speculation about their relationship, which has seen its share of ups and downs. Despite occasional tensions—such as Bayless’s 45-minute podcast critique of Smith in 2024 over comments about JJ Redick, followed by a face-to-face resolution—the two have maintained a bond rooted in their shared history. Smith has often credited Bayless for reviving his career by bringing him onto First Take in 2012, while Bayless has expressed a lingering affection for his former partner, once hinting at a possible future collaboration.
Wow: LeBron James actually left the team huddle before the fourth quarter to confront Stephen A. Smith 😳
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 7, 2025
(via @LADEig, @TheFlightMike, @legendz_nba) pic.twitter.com/USi9s0V43y
Details about the podcast episode’s content remain under wraps, but given their track records, it’s likely to feature spirited debates on current sports topics—possibly touching on LeBron James, a frequent subject for both—or reflections on their past together. The timing is notable: Smith’s recent high-profile confrontation with LeBron James at a Lakers game and Bayless’s ongoing podcast focus on hot-button issues could set the stage for a combustible discussion. Posts on X and reports from outlets like Front Office Sports suggest fans are eager for the “drama” and “intense debates” this reunion promises.
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