Paul Pierce Makes His Opinion of Luka Doncic, Lakers Very Clear

Paul Pierce Calls Lakers ‘Rerun’ of Disappointment

The Lakers entered the season with high hopes despite early injuries to LeBron James and Doncic. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, head coach JJ Redick revealed that James is targeting a mid-November return as he recovers from sciatica, while Doncic is expected to return “within the next couple of games.”

But even with both stars out, Los Angeles found new life behind Austin Reaves, who erupted for 51 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a recent win over the Sacramento Kings. Despite this strong showing, Pierce remains unconvinced that the team can sustain success once the playoffs arrive.

“They not gonna be nobody,” Pierce said. “They’re the same Lakers rerun every year.”

Co-host Danny Green, who won a championship with the Lakers in 2020, tried to take a more balanced stance, acknowledging their offensive potential.

“They’re very offensively explosive,” Green said. “I’m not saying they’re gonna win it this year, but I think they’re gonna be better than last year.”

Pierce, however, shot down the optimism. Comparing them to younger, faster squads, he argued that Los Angeles simply doesn’t have the legs or the energy to compete deep into the postseason.

“They’re not young enough or athletic enough for Houston,” Pierce added.

Doncic, now in his first full season as a Laker, came into the year in the best shape of his career after dropping significant weight and gracing the cover of Men’s Health. His dedication was evident during Slovenia’s EuroBasket run and at the start of this NBA season, where he averaged 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists in his first two games before being sidelined.

Still, Pierce wasn’t buying into the “Skinny Luka” hype. Big Wos pushed back slightly, praising Doncic’s improved conditioning and attacking mindset:

“He literally does look better. He’s actually getting to the rack,” he said.

But Pierce stood firm, suggesting that even a fitter Doncic hasn’t transformed into the two-way player the Lakers need to compete with elite Western Conference teams like the Golden State Warriors.

Lakers Searching for Consistency Amid Injuries

While Pierce’s critique might sound harsh, there’s no denying the Lakers have faced early turbulence. Without their two superstars, the team has leaned heavily on Reaves, who’s averaging 35.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists through four games.

Doncic’s absence has exposed the Lakers’ thin depth chart, with injuries also sidelining Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. The load on role players has been immense and Pierce’s comments reflect what many analysts quietly suspect: that Los Angeles’ title dreams rest entirely on the health and chemistry of James and Doncic.

Even so, optimism lingers within the locker room. Doncic, who recently said he has “a long way ahead” and wants to control his career trajectory, has reportedly developed a strong friendship with Reaves, a bond that could help the Lakers stay united through adversity.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Doncic and James can flip the script, or if Pierce’s “rerun” prediction will once again come true in Los Angeles.