The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling in the Western Conference, but they still have a chance to make a deep playoff run as long as LeBron James is there. The fact that his presence makes the Purple and Gold possible contenders is a testament to the kind of player James has been for the past two decades.
Now that the season is over and James isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, some fans are already thinking that he’s become the greatest basketball player of all time.
While one former Boston Celtics great agrees that James is a terrific baller, he thinks there’s still something stopping him from getting that title.
Paul Pierce challenges LeBron James to win another championship for the Los Angeles Lakers before calling him the GOAT
![Los Angeles Lakers: Celtics Legend Issues Big Challenge to LeBon James to Become the 'Undisputed GOAT' 1 Oct 20, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) is defended by LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. The Clippers defeated the Lakers 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USATSI_19268519_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
Pierce believes that the 39-year-old has a legitimate shot at becoming the greatest basketball player to ever grace the hardwood. For Pierce to make that claim over players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant is a major thing for him to admit.
However, he also said during his appearance at Undisputed that it would take a lot more than being great at 40 to be treated as the best basketball player alive.
He said that winning the NBA championship with the Lakers would shut many people up, as reported by The Spun’s Chris Rosvoglou:
“If the Lakers get to the Finals and happen to win a championship this year, LeBron will be the undisputed GOAT,” Pierce said. “Who has ever come from a No. 9 seed to a championship? Who has even come from a seven or eight seed to win it all?”
Can LeBron James carry the Lakers back to another championship?
![Los Angeles Lakers: Celtics Legend Issues Big Challenge to LeBon James to Become the 'Undisputed GOAT' 2 Mar 24, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a three point basket in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USATSI_22858506_168400517_lowres.jpg)
It’s going to be tough for the Los Angeles Lakers to make it to the Finals with only having LeBron James to rely on. Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and the rest of the Lakers roster must step up to help the King if they’re going to win another chip this season.
Regardless of whether the Purple and Gold win it all this season, James has been nothing short of a fantastic player on Year 21. He’s averaging solid numbers this season: 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists a game on 53% shooting and a 41% clip from long range.
While these numbers are solid for any other NBA player, it’s a bit of a down year for the Akron native. The fact that he’s being held at a higher standards makes it clear that he’s expected to always play like a monster on the hardwood.
Many will argue that these expectations already make him the GOAT, but Pierce may be right. It might take another chip for LeBron to get the respect he deserves.
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