Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Skip Bayless: Damian Lillard called me 'most phony [person] on TV'

By Blake Harper | Last updated 8/11/20

Damian Lillard became a hero and spokesperson for rational sports fans everywhere when he called out Skip Bayless, saying the divisive analyst was a "joke" who would "never have [his] respect."

Unsurprisingly, Bayless, who is fueled by manufactured controversy, responded, revealing that Lillard texted him, calling him "the most phony [person] on TV." Bayless says he was shocked by the accusation, telling Lillard that he was "the most honest and objective."

This entire beef seemed to begin when Bayless questioned Lillard being considered a superstar. He subtweeted the Trail Blazers point guard after he missed two late free throws in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

"I continue to ask, is Dame really That Guy? A true SUPERstar? I have my doubts," Bayless tweeted. After he called out Lillard again, his tweet elicited a response.

I have never been buying nothing about you fam. You a joke. And after our private convo full of back pedaling you will never have my respect https://t.co/do0yxFgUju
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) August 10, 2020

Anyone who is familiar with Bayless knows that he is no stranger to beefing with athletes. Cornerback Richard Sherman told him he "never accomplished anything," while Charles Barkley has stated several times that he wishes he could beat the crap out of Bayless. And, of course, there's Bayless' white whale: LeBron James, whom Bayless has spent the last decade trying to troll despite only being acknowledged in passing by the three-time champion.

While Bayless, who spent nearly 10 minutes addressing the argument on "Undisputed," would surely love nothing more than for Lillard to come on the show to discuss their beef, Lillard gave a confident "hell no" when asked if he would ever go on the show to debate Bayless.

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