Stephen A. Smith vs. Skip Bayless reunion live updates, highlights from first ‘First Take’ episode since 2016
Love them or hate them, you’ve likely watched Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless trade barbs over the years.
They were foils to one another, firing shots at one another across the desk of ESPN’s “First Take” for the better part of a decade. Both got their starts as columnist at smaller publications — Smith worked for The Philadelphia Inquirer, while Bayless made his bones at The Dallas Morning News.
Smith and Bayless haven’t shared a studio in 10 years. On Friday, they’ll be reunited, taking aim at one another on a special edition of “First Take.”
It’s unclear just what will happen when Smith and Bayless step to the pulpit they once shared together. Things are a lot different nowadays; Smith has become ESPN’s biggest draw, while Bayless has stepped away from the spotlight ever so slightly after leaving Fox Sports in 2024.
Time heals all wounds, however. And the masses of television enthusiasts will be tuned into the spectacle, hoping to see just what zany remarks Smith and Bayless have up their sleeve.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Smith and Bayless’ reunion on “First Take.” Follow below for highlights, analysis and more from an episode you won’t soon forget.
MORE: Is Stephen A. Smith running for president?
Stephen A. Smith vs. Skip Bayless live updates, highlights from first ‘First Take’ reunion since 2016
(All times Eastern)
11:10 a.m.: Smith believes Bayless’ list is blasphemy. He’s right — Bayless is bugging.
11:04 a.m.: Here’s a look at Bayless’ all-time top-10 list. Bayless claimed that James is “just holding on” to his No. 9 ranking on the all-time list:
- Michael Jordan
- Magic Johnson
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Tim Duncan
- Bill Russell
- Kobe Bryant
- Larry Bird
- LeBron James
- Wilt Chamberlain
Skip bayless top 10 NBA players All-Time pic.twitter.com/ui6QN124Ii
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) May 8, 2026
11:00 a.m.: Smith can’t seem to accept Bayless’ ranking of LeBron as the ninth-best player in NBA history. Here we go…
10:40 a.m.: Smith disagrees with Bayless’ assessment…
“You threw your Dallas Cowboys paraphernalia in the TRASH.” 😳@stephenasmith and @RealSkipBayless debate their Cowboys and Knicks fandom 😅 pic.twitter.com/ptFZTiknZ7
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 8, 2026
10:35 a.m.: Bayless still has venom in his tongue. If you need evidence, check out his remarks on Paul George:
“Playoff Pee…that’s P E E” Skip Bayless’ nickname for Paul George pic.twitter.com/w2jcykXEfK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 8, 2026
10:33 a.m.: The Cowboys are on the clock, with Bayless proclaiming that he’d rather be a Cowboys fan than a Knicks supporter.
10:25 a.m.: We head to our second commercial break. Smith looks to be in a celebratory mood, dancing as the “First Take” crew disappears into the background.
10:20 a.m.: Next up on Smith and Bayless’ docket: the Cavaliers and James Harden, who put forth another subpar showing in Cleveland’s defeat to the Pistons.
“Your [Hall of Fame] status is on the verge of being revoked. Somebody needs to tell him this. … As the moment intensifies, YOU SHRINK.” 😳@stephenasmith has a message for James Harden 👀 pic.twitter.com/JIUXcXljIN
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 8, 2026
10:15 a.m.: The Lakers remain the focus of Smith and Bayless’ barbs. The pairing is now discussing what impact Luka Doncic would have in the series had he played in the first two games.
“I don’t miss Luka because I don’t miss all the whining and begging, but now he’s got JJ [Redick] begging for him.”
—@RealSkipBayless reacts to the Lakers criticizing officiating after their Game 2 loss vs. the Thunder 😳 pic.twitter.com/CfEcUZajIU
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 8, 2026
10:00 a.m.: And we’re back! Bayless is sharing the lectern with Smith once more! His first topic of discussion: none other than the Lakers and LeBron.
“You’ve already elevated LeBron James all the way up to No. 2 on your all-time list? I have him at 9!” And we’re off… pic.twitter.com/VPfeMmJ3Dv
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 8, 2026
9:45 p.m.: Stephen A. Smith also appears to be excited about his the prospect of dueling his old dance partner.
Well Looky Looky! Look who’s hard at work prepping for @FirstTake today for the first time in a decade: @RealSkipBayless. Can’t attach the pic, for some reason, but it doesn’t matter because here’s the bad news, my man: it won’t help you one bit😁. Come 10am, there’s no one here…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 8, 2026
9:30 a.m.: As evidenced by his tweets during last night’s Lakers-Thunder game, Bayless still appears to have his fastball.
LeBron played exceptionally well tonight. Longevity GOAT. Hanging on to 9th on my all-time ranking.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 8, 2026
9:00 a.m.: We’re about an hour from the start of Smith and Bayless’ reunion. The latter looks more than ready to return to his old stomping grounds.
Getting ready for 10 AM ET, ESPN pic.twitter.com/LBen7sPUyC
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 8, 2026
Where to watch Stephen A. Smith vs. Skip Bayless ‘First Take’ reunion
‘First Take’ start time
- Date: Friday, May 8
- Time: 10 a.m. ET
Friday’s episode of “First Take” will air at 10 a.m. ET. The broadcast will feature luminaries Smth and Bayless, as well as co-host Shae Cornette.
What channel is First Take on?
Smith and Bayless’ reunion will be broadcast on ESPN2. Cord-cutters can find the action on the ESPN app or DIRECTV.
