Lakers Urged to Trade 40-Year-Old LeBron James

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Athlon Trending News Team | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 5:56 PM ET

LeBron James is heading into an unprecedented 23rd season at 40 years old. But, despite the forward remaining in peak shape and still playing at All-Star caliber, Paul Pierce is urging the Los Angeles Lakers to trade him.

Pierce will probably understand if he’s not taken seriously because he’s been critical of LeBron for most of the latter’s career. But he was adamant that the Lakers would stand a much better chance of competing in the Western Conference if they got some other players in a trade.

Sitting next to former Boston Celtics teammate and close friend Kevin Garnett on the “KG Certified” podcast, the 2008 Finals MVP outlined the reasons the Lakers should part ways with James.

NBA great Paul Pierce is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Garnett argued that the Lakers star hasn’t even been on the court yet, implying it was unfair to suggest a trade.

“We already seen what it looked like last year,” Pierce shot back. “We got swept… If they add some other little pieces, then they got a shot cuz they get more.”

There were rumors of an impending split between the Lakers and LeBron during the offseason, but no move materialized.

Still, the 21-time All-Star, who turns 41 in December, has yet to play this season due to a sciatica issue. He is expected to make his 2025-26 debut in mid-November.

The Lakers have been playing well in his absence, winning seven of their first nine games and sitting second in the West. They face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

As for Pierce's claims of a sweep, the Lakers won the second game of their first-round series vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, exiting at 4-1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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