Smith and Bayless have had a kinship, dating back two decades. The two have remained close since Bayless left ESPN five years ago, with Smith making it a point to meet up with Bayless and his wife, Ernestine, whenever he was in Los Angeles.

Are Skip Bayless and Stephen A Smith still friends?

Smith and Bayless are still close friends. They've made little secret about their desire to work together again one day. But it's a big question whether ESPN would be willing to pay both millions to reunite on “First Take.”

Does Stephen A Smith not like Max Kellerman?

doesn't like Max. ' It couldn't be further from the truth. I like him and respect him,” Smith said. ... He's incredibly knowledgable about his boxing and other sports, by the way,” he continued, before complimenting Kellerman on his new roles at ESPN.