Paul Pierce Intensifies LeBron James Beef With Bold Advice for Lakers Veteran

With a vacancy for the head coaching job and a 17th pick in the NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers have the elements that can bring LeBron James back to the team. The King is eager to play with his son in the NBA, and his podcast buddy JJ Redick has emerged as a top candidate to become the head coach for the LA unit. Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce believes the above prediction will turn into reality before the start of the season. However, he has a suggestion for his former rival James which the Lakers buffs might not be a fan of. 

The Lakers will look to add a star point guard as D’Angelo Russell is likely to head to a new team. After the Cleveland Cavaliers’ disappointing exit in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, Donovan Mitchell has emerged as a target for many teams, which includes the Lakers. Paul Pierce would also like to see Mitchell in the purple and yellow jersey, but he believes James should take a seat back if that happens. 

Pierce shared with his former teammate Kevin Garnett in KG Certified, “Their [Lakers] championship window is not there as constructed. I don’t see them getting better unless they trade for Donovan Mitchell. Lebron gotta become the number two guy now. You have to find the number one guy, cause I don’t think AD is the number one guy. You get Mitchell and LeBron was two, and AD was three, you got something.” 

Pierce believes this is the only way that the Lakers can stay relevant in the playoffs. Instead, if they draft Bronny and avoid making some crucial changes, Pierce believes the championship is out of the picture. 

Donovan Mitchell in the purple and yellow, is there a possibility?

Considering the post-season exit, Mitchell is currently in his last year of contract with the Cavaliers at  $35.4 million. The shooting guard put on a one-man show in the playoffs for the Cavaliers this season, especially against the Boston Celtics. Right after his run came to an end in the East semis, several teams started to show interest in the 27-year-old. Lakers are also one of them, and according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Lakers “have their offer ready“ for Mitchell.  

The Brooklyn Nets are also rumored to have an offer ready for the Cavs star. The factors force the Cavaliers to place a contract extension on the table, estimated at 4-year $199 million or risk free agent. While nothing remains certain, there is also a possibility that Mitchell might stay in Cleveland.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski who had a conversation with Mitchell, “He was emphatic in telling me that he is not disgruntled with anyone or anything in Cleveland. In fact, he said to me ‘I am happy in Cleveland. I’ve been happy since I arrived in Cleveland’ .” Anyhow, if Mitchell denies an extension and joins free agency, the Lakers have a shot at signing him.