Paul Pierce's honest take on Lakers hits bullseye

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Pierce's honest take on the Lakers hits the bullseye

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/16/24

Sitting ninth in the Western Conference , the Los Angeles Lakers face a fight to qualify for the playoffs. Their season has been ravaged by injuries. Head coach Darvin Ham has struggled to settle on a primary rotation. And they haven't found a consistency in their performances throughout the season.

Given the Lakers' issues this season, former Boston Celtics champion Paul Pierce is struggling to see how they can contend for a championship. During a recent episode of the "KG Certified" podcast, Pierce used the Purple and Gold's upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors as an example of why it's tough to have faith in their ability to compete.

"I don’t know who the Lakers are sometimes," Pierce said. "They’ll beat a good team then lose to a team they’re supposed to beat. That’s just how their season has been. Why do you think they’re in the 9th-10th slot bro.”

“This is a big game. I don’t know who the Lakers are sometimes. They’ll beat a good team then lose to a team they’re supposed to beat. That’s just how their season has been. Why do you think they’re in the 9th-10th slot bro.” - Paul Pierce @PaulPierce34 is rolling with the… pic.twitter.com/74bdM9CDmJ
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) March 16, 2024

Ham's team has struggled when controlling the glass this season, which means they've likely struggled with owning the tempo of the game. The Lakers are 22nd in the NBA for rebounds per game. However, you can never be counted out when you have LeBron James and Anthony Davis on your roster.

Last season, the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals. Their roster projects to be built for the postseason and they're certainly capable of making noise in the playoffs. Still, Ham's team will need to find an identity and consistency if it wants to be a genuine force in the playoffs. Otherwise, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office could have some tough decisions to make this summer.

Los Angeles may not like it, but Pierce is right; it's hard to know what version of the team will show up each night. And that makes it hard to trust their chances of competing for a championship later this year.

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