NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce has stirred debate across the basketball world by suggesting the Los Angeles Lakers should trade LeBron James, citing the team’s strong start and evolving offensive identity under Luka Dončić.
The Lakers are currently 7–3 and sit third in the Western Conference, despite LeBron not playing a single minute this season due to sciatica.
On the No Fouls Given podcast and again on KG Certified, Pierce laid out his case:
“They need to find a way to trade LeBron. He’s going to hold them back. You got Luka as the guy, and we see what Austin Reaves is doing. How do you implement LeBron into what they’re doing now?”
Paul Pierce believes the Lakers should LeBron after their hot start to the season… do you agree with him? 👀 pic.twitter.com/OjFahSy6MT
— No Fouls Given (@NFGShow) November 8, 2025
Pierce emphasized that LeBron’s ball-dominant style could disrupt the current flow of the offense, which has thrived with Dončić averaging 40 points per game and Reaves emerging as a secondary playmaker.
LeBron, now 40 and entering his 23rd NBA season, has been cleared for basketball activities and is expected to return soon. But Pierce argues that the team’s chemistry and rhythm could suffer with his reintegration.
Pierce and LeBron have a long-standing rivalry dating back to their battles in the Eastern Conference during the 2000s. Pierce’s comments may be colored by that history.
The Lakers face a pivotal decision. If LeBron returns and fits seamlessly, the team could be a title favorite. If not, and the offense stalls, Pierce’s suggestion may gain traction. For now, the Lakers are winning, and that gives them leverage to be patient.
