The Los Angeles Lakers are flying to start the 2025-26 NBA season. After an opening night loss, the team has a 6-2 record. Luka Doncic is going off, Austin Reaves looks like an All-Star, and the new acquisitions are fitting in seamlessly. Only one big piece is still missing.
LeBron James’ sciatica has caused him to miss significant time to start the year. The King will reportedly be reevaluated in a few weeks, and a return to action is imminent. But Paul Pierce thinks that it might be a disruption more than a blessing. He gave a truly ridiculous take on a recent podcast.
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“For this to work, when LeBron comes back, he’s gotta come off the bench,” Pierce said on The Ticket and The Truth. Kevin Garnett gave Paul Pierce a huge amount of pushback, explaining that James made the All-NBA 2nd Team during the 2024-25 season.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts during the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
“Did Luka make All-NBA, too?” Pierce responded. “They both made All-NBA. What happened in the playoffs, first round? I’m just saying for the chemistry of it. He can still give you the same production, but off the bench, it will work. His game and Luka’s game don’t work together.”
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This is absurd for Pierce to suggest; there’s no way to sugarcoat it. Garnett shut Pierce down by pointing out that he would himself never come off the bench in that scenario. And while there is somewhat of a point to the style of play, JJ Redick can easily stagger those minutes.
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