Paul Pierce faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals twice during his legendary career with the Boston Celtics. He’s not convinced the Lakers will return to those heights despite a noteworthy acquisition.
The Lakers added size by signing Deandre Ayton, a 7-foot center who’s averaged a double-double in each of his seven NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. During Wednesday’s “Speak,” Pierce [expressed reservations](https://x.com/SpeakOnFS1/status/1943071120804188500) over Ayton putting Los Angeles over the top.
“He definitely fills a need for the Lakers, but I’m not sure if he’s the answer for winning a championship,” Pierce said.
Pierce reasoned that Ayton is “still trying to find his way in the NBA.” The Lakers would have needed to land an MVP superstar such as Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo for him to consider them the new NBA favorites.
“He’s been on multiple teams, this being his third team in six years,” Pierce noted. “Being the number one pick and not really yet finding a home, I’m not sure how much he pushes the needle.”
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Pierce acknowledged that the Lakers needed a shot blocker and an interior scoring presence, but he doesn’t think Ayton makes them a premier Western Conference contender after consecutive first-round playoff exits.
“I think they’re still in need of more athleticism and more defense on the perimeter,” Pierce said. “I think they’re a second-round ceiling.”
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Pierce doesn’t know how many games the Lakers can expect from LeBron James, who turns 41 during his 23rd season. While expectations are high with the all-time scoring leader and Luka Doncic leading the prestigious franchise, “The Truth” thinks fans should temper their hopes for next season.
“They don’t have too much depth yet,” Pierce said. “So, if they make it to the second round with the roster as constructed, that’s a win-win.”
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Featured image via Brian Fluharty/USA TODAY Sports Images