Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce prompted debate online after expressing his views that LeBron James should retire after his record 23rd season in the league. James and the Lakers’ season came to an end on Monday after the OKC Thunder swept them in the Western Conference semifinals.
Speaking to his former teammate Kevin Garnett on the “KG Certified” podcast, Pierce said that James should consider retiring on account of the criticism he receives.
“Just like for the simple fact that at the age that he still receives the criticism that he still does,” Pierce said. “The greats wasn’t getting this criticism late. Nobody was criticizing Kobe when he wasn’t going to the playoffs in his last year. They was just enjoying his moments. Like the same as Jordan in Washington… For the simple fact that the man is 41 and we are still critiquing him like he is 25 and should be winning championships.”
James, 41, was an effective option for the Lakers last season. He played 60 games, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, shooting 51.5%, including 31.7% from 3-point range. His production improved in the playoffs with 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds in 10 games.
He led the team in the first-round series against the Houston Rockets while Luka Doncic was sidelined and Austin Reaves missed the first four games.
Fans reacted to Pierce’s comments on James’ future online, citing how the sentiment comes from a longtime critic of LeBron.
Pierce was in the league for 19 seasons, playing for the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers. Pierce won the Finals MVP in 2008 after leading the Celtics to their 17th NBA Championship.
“Don’t know what the future holds”: LeBron James on his impending retirement decision
While fans and media members continue to speculate about LeBron James’ future in the league, the four-time champion has said he remains undecided about what comes next.
“I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I’ve answered questions. I don’t think I’ve come out and been like, ‘Oh, retirement is coming,'” James said. “With my future, I don’t know, honestly. It’s obviously it’s still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds for me.”
James was the Lakers’ highest-paid player last season, drawing a salary of $52 million. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. James says that his willingness to prepare for games will be a “big factor” in his decision.
“I think for me it’s about the process,” James said. “If I can commit to still being in love with the process of showing up to the arena 5½ hours before a game to start preparing for a game … showing up to practices, 11 o’clock practice, I’m there at 8 o’clock preparing my body, preparing my mind, preparing to practice, to put the work in. So I think for me, I’ve always been in love with the process … so I think that would be a big factor.”
Speaking to ESPN on Tuesday, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said that he would love to have LeBron James back. Coach JJ Redick also expressed his wish to retain the Lakers’ core of Doncic, Reaves and James.
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