In a twist that had fans and critics alike scratching their heads, veteran NBA analyst Skip Bayless has decided to throw his support behind none other than Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. Yes, you read that right—Skip Bayless, the man known for hot takes and unapologetic opinions on everything from LeBron James’ legacy to the Cowboys’ latest playoff blunder, is now weighing in on politics. And it seems he’s found something to admire in the controversial former president.
Appearing on the latest episode of The Skip Bayless Show, Bayless confessed that while he doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Trump on a number of issues, he’s convinced by Trump’s “natural-born leadership” qualities. Bayless went on to highlight Trump’s resilience, remarking, “Let me say this about Donald Trump: I do not share many of his views, but I do believe he’s a natural-born leader who isn’t afraid to make tough decisions.” Tough decisions? Bayless himself might be making one of those right now, given the fiery response his endorsement is likely to trigger among fans.
He even threw in a strangely cryptic comment on luck, referencing what he called Trump’s “lucky” escape from an assassination attempt, and mentioned, “I’ll go with lucky over blessed because I’m not sure either he or Kamala truly believe in a higher power.” Bayless, as usual, bringing his trademark metaphysical musings to the political arena.
Meanwhile, the NBA itself took a stand of neutrality (or maybe a day off?) by not scheduling any games on Election Day. The league will resume Wednesday, hopefully without needing to debrief players on the latest twists in the presidential saga.
In a related drama, NBA great Michael Jordan was recently rumored to have endorsed Trump. But Jordan’s reps were quick to set the record straight, clarifying that His Airness has not entered the political ring. The myth was squashed almost as quickly as it emerged, with a statement bluntly saying, “There is absolutely no truth to the claim that Michael Jordan has made an endorsement in the presidential election.” Classic MJ—sticking to dunks and clutch shots, not campaign trails.
Then there’s Trump’s latest rally comment, where he seemed to suggest that he’s got as much “Greek” in him as Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Yes, you read that correctly—Trump joked in Milwaukee that he might just be as Greek as the NBA’s own Greek Freak. “Tell me, who has more Greek in him, the Greek or me?” Trump quipped, probably as fans debated whether he’d been sneaking gyros on the campaign trail.
Giannis, always quick on the court but careful off it, responded with a diplomatic shrug, saying he’d rather stay out of the political fray and instead wished both candidates “luck.” As if that’ll calm this storm.
With LeBron, Steph, and Magic throwing their support behind Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris, it seems the NBA world is once again swept up in an election season like no other. So what’s next for Skip Bayless and his outspoken political musings? Perhaps a whole new show—Undisputed: Election Edition. Stay tuned, sports fans. This season’s biggest game might just be at the ballot box.
