Despite finishing the regular season with a 50-32 record and clinching the No. 3 seed, the Los Angeles Lakers were thoroughly outmatched by the No. 6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, falling in five games in the first round.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic’s defensive shortcomings were evident, and JJ Redick’s decision to sideline his traditional centers, left the Lakers helpless in the paint.
NBA Hall of Famer and former Celtics champion Paul Pierce believes the Lakers need to move on from James.
“This is what needs to happen: if the Lakers want to get back to being a championship contender moving forward, you have to get out of the constraints of the LeBron James era,” Pierce said on “Speak” on FS1.
"He's had a grasp [over] the whole organization, bear-hugging them, for so long now. He's done some wonderful things for the Lakers organization. 100 percent. They're probably gonna build a statue of LeBron... I'm just saying, they have to say, 'We appreciate your services, I think we should move on.'"
James brought his talents to Los Angeles in 2018, signing a max contract after making eight consecutive Finals appearances and winning three rings between the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.
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The James-Anthony Davis era peaked with a 2020 title and a conference finals appearance in 2023. Since then, however, the Lakers have suffered back-to-back 4-1 first round exits — first with Davis last year, then again this season after trading him for Doncic.
"It's time for the Luka era now, because I don't know if you can play them together moving forward," Pierce said. "You have to have a certain type of team around Luka to win. And him with LeBron, you won't be able to create that.”
James is still a dynamic offensive player at age 40, but his defense and stamina have declined with age. Doncic, meanwhile, flourishes in systems built around defensive-minded wings and rim-running bigs.
Even with averages of 25.4 points per game on .489/.357/.775 shooting splits, along with 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks in the series against Minnesota, his exhaustion became apparent, particularly in crunch time.
MORE LAKERS NEWS:
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- Lakers reportedly have JJ Redick offseason verdict after early playoff exit