Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with his wife Savannah and son Bryce Maximus after breaking the record for all-time scoring in the NBA during the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

'I Think This Will be His Last Season' – Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James Draws Bold Prediction From Former Rival

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 11:17 AM ET

Paul Pierce believes that LeBron James will play his final year in the NBA in 2025-26, and the former NBA star gave the Los Angeles Lakers forward his much-deserved flowers.

Speaking at a celebrity poker event, Pierce urged the fans to appreciate James, whom he faced in 69 games during his NBA career. In their head-to-heads, the Los Angeles Lakers star won 35, and Pierce won 34.

“I’m a betting man, I think this’ll be his last season,” Pierce said about James. “He’s played 21-22 years. He’s been the GOAT for so long; he’s maintained the stats.”

Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“We appreciate what he brought to the game and how he’s held the mettle since Jordan left. Bron is one of them ones we’re appreciating. I think his time is up, but we appreciate what he’s done for the league,” he concluded.

Los Angeles Lakers News: LeBron James urged to “pass the baton” to Luka Doncic

LeBron James has been the main guy throughout his NBA career. However, as he enters his 40s, the Los Angeles Lakers forward is now shifting into the team’s second option behind Luka Doncic , a role he must embrace, per former NBA star Charles Barkley.

Mar 8, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) calls a play against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

“It’s time to move on, brother. Kareem. Hey, Bill. See, this is the problem. Kareem did it with Magic. Tim Duncan did it with Tony Parker, Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard. You have to, Bill,” Barkley said on The Bill Simmons Podcast.

“The baton has to be passed from everybody. It’s passed from everybody. The Lakers have been irrelevant. The Bubble was the last time they’ve been relevant…If the Lakers win the championship, and Luka gets Finals MVP, LeBron still gets the championship ring,” he added.