"Skip Bayless vs Gilbert Arenas: An Unlikely Debate"

Well, what happens when a legendary sports columnist and former NBA 
all-star have a debate to settle? Look no further, as Skip Bayless will be 
going toe to toe with Gilbert Arenas. How did we get here? Glad you 
asked because I had to comb through clips and commentary for this 
one.

Let's try and sort this out piece by piece; underlying layers to peel back. 
This all started a few weeks ago upon Los Angeles Lakers forward 
LeBron James surpassing 50,000 points. Arenas applauded James' 
greatness and how Bayless made a video congratulating the milestone. 
Here's where the tide rolled... 

Arenas, a former player and now podcaster suggested Bayless "would 
seen James' greatness from the beginning had he opened his eyes." 
Along with that, Bayless' writing columnist background was put on blast 
if he really enjoyed basketball or just collecting a check. If you know the 
old saying "don't poke the bear," Bayless had a response to the claims. 

On to Bayless' side of this hot take, he began with the Michael Jordan 
aspect of being dared to criticize Jordan back in the day. If you know his 
infinity for Michael Jeffery Jordan, that's the one player you don't debate 
with Bayless. He was a columnist for the "Chicago Tribune" to cover a 
quest for MJ's second three peat in 1998. In short form, Bayless 
would've "gotten a raise if he criticized Jordan." Rather you believe it or 
not, this likely holds volumes. 

To make it even more spicy, anytime Jordan is brought up in the same 
sentence as LeBron James, Bayless goes nuclear on anyone who tries 
to spear Michael Jeffery Jordan. Bayless' credibility in this regard 

outweighs any athlete he's covered. The many stories, interviews about
Jordan can be backed up by Bayless sitting in the midst of "The Last
Dance" in 1998.

It's the ongoing "GOAT" debate which former and current athletes are
consumed with. Who's better than one another in their prime and how
overcame adversity. In Bayless' defense, yes he's been fair and honest
with James' past playoff losses and failures to be "clutch." But when a
milestone is achieved by James, some feel it's not authentic due to
Bayless' past tweets and comments which he always throws in
"MJ>LBJ."
This is why Arenas is one of the many LeBron James apologists. He
may have respect for Jordan but James has been under media pressure
since the age of sixteen. Arenas' Washington Wizards had many regular
and postseason matchups. You can take it for whatever is presented on
the platter.

When these two meet in the next few days, everyone will be watching
this challenge. I wouldn't be surprised if Arenas cuts his camera or
microphone off. We all know Bayless will have an arsenal of avenues to
take. It'll be a matter of who'll take the first swing and punch from there.
Do I expect this to end with a friendly handshake afterwards? All of
these questions and more will be answered once the announcement is
made.