Tension is starting to build in the Lakers’ world, as they went from being the centerpiece of one of the biggest trades in NBA history to being eliminated in the first round of the Playoffs. So former player Paul Pierce didn’t hesitate to make a bold statement against LeBron James.

Uh-oh! Ever since the 2003-04 NBA preseason—when Pierce, as he himself admitted, spat toward the Cleveland Cavaliers’ bench—a 12-year rivalry filled with bad blood began between him and LeBron, as described by journalist Bill Simmons.

Is that why he didn’t forgive the Los Angeles Lakers after their first-round exit from the 2025 Playoffs? Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson had already warned that LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves might struggle to work together, as all three prefer to dominate ball possession.

The Lakers’ elimination in the first round of the NBA Playoffs—losing 4-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves—not only proved Magic Johnson right, but also opened the door for Paul Pierce’s bold proposal against LeBron James.

Paul Pierce’s proposal following the Lakers’ playoff exit

Paul Pierce and LeBron James. (Photo: Getty Images)

“If the Lakers want to become championship contenders again, they have to move on from the limitations of the LeBron James era. You have to find a way to say it’s okay. He’s figured out these Lakers, he’s figured out the entire organization that has embraced him for so long. He’s done wonderful things for the Lakers organization. They’ll probably build a statue for LeBron in front of Crypto, Staples—whatever they call the arena now.

But they have to say: ‘Bron, we appreciate your services. We think it’s time for you to move on.’ Tough conversation. It’s Luka’s era now because I don’t know if they’ll be able to play together in the future. You need a very specific kind of team around Luka to win, and with LeBron you won’t be able to build that, because there will still be a kind of… (makes a tying gesture),” Pierce said on ‘Speak’ on Fox Sports 1.