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Celtics legend Paul Pierce sparked debate after suggesting on his podcast that the Lakers should bench or even trade LeBron James to improve team chemistry with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

LeBron James hasn’t even suited up yet for the 2025–26 NBA season, but his name continues to dominate headlines — this time thanks to one of his oldest rivals.

Paul Pierce, a 2008 NBA champion and Boston Celtics legend, stirred controversy during the latest episode of Ticket & The Truth, the podcast he co-hosts with former teammate Kevin Garnett. Speaking candidly, Pierce argued that Lakers head coach JJ Redick should consider benching LeBron — or even trading him.

“For Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić to really work, LeBron needs to come off the bench when he returns,” Pierce said. “He can still give you the same production, but his game and Luka’s just don’t fit together. If I were the GM, I’d trade him — not out of disrespect, but to plan for the future. With LeBron, this team could get swept. A trade to somewhere like Cleveland could make sense for both sides.”

Paul Pierce and LeBron James: A Rivalry That Defined an Era

Pierce and LeBron’s history runs deep. When LeBron entered the league in 2003, Pierce was already a Celtic cornerstone, and their playoff battles quickly became legendary.

Their first iconic duel came in 2008, when LeBron scored 45 points in Game 7 against Boston — but Pierce’s 41 lifted the Celtics to victory en route to an NBA title. Two years later, Pierce again got the upper hand as Boston eliminated LeBron’s Cavaliers in the 2010 postseason, pushing the future Hall of Famer to take his talents to South Beach.

In Miami, LeBron finally flipped the script, leading the Heat past the Celtics in consecutive years (2011 and 2012) and capturing his first championship in the process.

Kevin Garnett Defends LeBron

Despite being longtime friends, Garnett pushed back on Pierce’s comments. The 2004 MVP defended LeBron’s leadership and impact on and off the court.

“There are two sides to this,” Garnett said. “Sure, LeBron demands a lot from everyone, but don’t overlook what he brings. When he’s on the court, referees listen — that’s influence. In the locker room, when someone’s not performing, LeBron speaks and people listen. I’m not sure everyone listens when Austin Reaves talks, to be honest.”