Skip Bayless sparks outrage after MOCKING Karl-Anthony Towns during viral reunion with Stephen A. Smith

Sports commentator Skip Bayless on Friday on "The Arena" show gave a shameful insult at New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns as his reunion with Stephen A. Smith went viral.

Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith's bitter reunion

Bayless and Smith dropped their first on-air appearance together in more than 10 years, since Bayless departed from ESPN's "First Take" show. They started with a heated argument about the Knicks where Bayless continued his criticism of Town.

“Your second-best player, named KAT, is more pussy cat.”

Skip Bayless made a signature derogatory nickname for Towns, "Kitty KAT." He has consistently used it to raise questions on Towns' tightness and ability to perform in crunch games.

Karl-Anthony Towns' dip in form

Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the Knicks ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season in a three-team deal from the Timberwolves. While he has stayed as a force on the boards, his scoring form has seen a dip in his second season in New York. He is averaging 19.9 points per game this season as compared to the 24.4 ppg he averaged last season.

He suffered a cut on his right eye after colliding with Spencer Jones in the Knicks' 134-127 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Karl-Anthony Towns made his way to the locker room not before scoring his two free throws.

Karl-Anthony Towns was hurt over his trade buzz

Karl-Anthony Towns himself puzzled in the 2026 midseason trade rumors. As per Steve Popper of "Newsday Spots" on January 30. Towns' feelings had been hurt because of his name being constantly mentioned in the trade rumors.

“If you saw Towns after Wednesday night’s game — or really, if you’ve seen him at all this season — you know that hearing his name in trade talks has come at a cost. Feelings are hurt. Egos are bruised. And maybe trust is gone.”

Towns was named as one of the pieces the Knicks may use if they want to make a move on Giannis Antetokounmpo. His struggles in the recent fixtures, averaging 15.2 points in his last five games, contributed to the rumors.