The Los Angeles Lakers sit fourth in a tough Western Conference with a 20-10 record. However, they hit a small rough patch, losing three of their last four contests in blowout fashion. What changed from Los Angeles’ dominance in the very early stages of the 2025-26 campaign? Paul Pierce has a bold answer.
Paul Pierce Thinks LeBron James’ Return Messed Up the Lakers’ Chemistry
James missed the first 14 games of this season due to sciatica, making his campaign debut on November 15. Whenever teams reintroduce a heavy usage star like James into the lineup, there is often an adjustment period. The 40-year-old did not practice or compete with his new teammates during the preseason. Pierce thinks this is the main reason for the Lakers’ recent struggles.
Paul Pierce on the Lakers struggling since LeBron return
“But everybody wanted to say it was hate when I said it wasn’t going to work. 15-4 before 6-5 when he is there is that hate”
(Via @NFGShow, h/t @NBA__Courtside)
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 29, 2025
“I saw this when LeBron was out of the lineup. They had some chemistry going, actually, with [Austin] Reaves and Luka [Dončić] … This is not going to look right with LeBron standing in the corner or just out on the wing … It’s showing on both sides of the ball,” emphasized the Hall of Famer.
The numbers back up Pierce’s claim, but only on the defensive end. Los Angeles has a 120.2 defensive rating with James, but that number moves to 117.4 without him. In contrast, the Lakers own a 119.6 offensive rating with James and 118.5 without the 21-time All-Star. Los Angeles ranks seventh with a 117.6 offensive rating for the season. However, its recent struggles defensively brought the team down to 25th in defensive rating at 117.4.
Pierce says the Lakers’ defensive woes are do to the lack of athleticism among their three stars. “You got three perimeter guys who are liabilities on defense between Luka, Reaves, and LeBron. They have no athleticism on the perimeter outside of LeBron … It’s not a good mix,” expressed Pierce. Marcus Smart remains their best point-of-attack defender. He usually comes off the bench, but the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year likely starts for the next month while Reaves recovers from a Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain.
James was Confident About His Return This Season
Steve Nash asked James about adjusting to his new teammates earlier this season on their “Mind the Game” podcast. The Lakers’ superstar did not hesitate, answering Nash confidently.
“I’m a Swiss Army Knife… Listen, all I care about is winning. I’ve done everything in my career, including winning, and I want to continue that,” James said.
The first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft impacts the game in numerous ways, whether it comes from a playmaking, shot-creating, rebounding, or scoring aspect. He averages 20.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists on the season. It will be interesting to see if the Lakers can catch fire again with James, after they went on a five-game and seven-game win streak earlier in the campaign.
