Skip Bayless ignites new controversy about LeBron James being jealous of MVP chants for Luka Doncic

Throughout the initial weeks of the 2025-26 season, there was real uncertainty about whether LeBron James could comfortably take a secondary role alongside Luka Doncic. Many wondered if the four-time MVP could actually find his rhythm without disrupting Luka’s when the latter was the clear-cut offensive catalyst for the team. However, those doubts got buried as soon as LeBron made his season debut, showing his willingness to impact games without having to dominate the ball

Unsurprisingly, Skip Bayless, infamous for being one of LeBron’s biggest haters in sports media, made sure to use this moment as fuel for negative attention towards LBJ. The Lakers’ fans have already crowned Luka as their MVP, and Bayless claims the dedicated “MVP” chants for Doncic are rubbing the 40-year-old forward in the wrong way.

Bayless speculates internal jealousy

In his season debut against the Utah Jazz, James was well aware that he needed time to be efficient on the scoring end and thus attempted merely seven field goal attempts. However, he made his impact felt by dishing out 12 assists along with 11 points. Then, in the very next game, he bumped his scoring output to 17 points.

Most recently, against the Clippers, James scored 25 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting, proving that he can still take control of the game and set its tempo when Doncic is resting on the bench. In the most mature approach possible, LBJ indicated how he could leverage his experience to prevent the Lakers from entering scoring droughts and take charge when necessary.

Bayless, however, feels that when the Lakers’ fans hold “MVP” chants for Doncic whenever he’s at the free-throw line, it bothers LeBron simply because he has never witnessed another teammate so thoroughly embraced, and speculated if that could give birth to internal jealousy.

“LeBron James can't be real pleased hearing the Lakers crowd chant MVP for Luka Doncic,” Bayless wrote.

The Los Angeles Lakers have never been more strongly knit

Numerous speculations may arise, but the Lakers’ on-court chemistry tells a completely different story. For instance, when Luka got into a physical confrontation with Kris Dunn, it wasn’t only Jaxson Hayes who stepped in, but Marcus Smart and LeBron sprinted in as well, protecting their franchise engine without hesitation.

Even in the first quarter when Luka erupted for 24 first-quarter points (the most for any Laker since 1996-97), LeBron was one of the loudest supporters on the bench, celebrating each three as if he had hit them himself.​

So Bayless’ speculation feels more like his typical headline-driven criticism than grounded observation. In reality, LeBron appears relieved to finally share his workload with someone capable of nightly brilliance, someone who can take over offensively.

Thus, it seems clear this Lakers team wants each other to succeed, and no matter what anyone says, LeBron Raymone James is content to finally not have to exhaust himself game after game for his team to have a chance of winning.

Related: Snoop Dogg marvels at Luka Doncic's new $5 million hypercar: "You Batman now"

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.