This season, there’s been a lot of chatter around the Los Angeles Lakers, but surprisingly, much of it involves a player not even on their roster.
Ex-Boston Celtics player Paul Pierce sparked controversy recently by asserting that Jaylen Brown deserves a spot on the All-NBA First Team over Luka Doncic. According to Pierce, Brown has “done the most with the least,” while Doncic had the support of stars like LeBron James and Austin Reeves.
“I know that’s a big statement since Luka was the top scorer in the league, but he’s had more help. Just think about it—he’s had LeBron all year round and Reeves for most of the season,” Pierce remarked on the X show “No Foul Given.”
Pierce felt strongly about Brown’s merit, saying, “When you’re in the MVP conversation, it should reflect in the first team. I might have taken Luka out instead of Jalen.” His comments caught plenty of attention in Los Angeles.
It’s worth noting that Doncic didn’t land a spot on the All-NBA First Team just based on his name; he earned it by leading the league in scoring, racking up 33.5 points per game along with 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds.
Even with the Lakers facing constant injury woes, Doncic was a key player in helping secure the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
Pierce’s argument, however, seems to overlook a crucial point: Doncic, LeBron, and Reeves were not often on the court together. They played only 29 games as a trio throughout the season, which doesn’t quite align with the superteam narrative Pierce painted.
Nonetheless, Brown’s performance this season was undoubtedly impressive. He stepped up significantly for the Celtics after Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Brown posted averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, helping keep Boston competitive despite significant roster changes.
However, Pierce’s preference for Brown over Doncic could stem more from his loyalty to the Celtics and the ongoing rivalry with the Lakers than from actual performance metrics.
Don’t forget, Doncic faced constant defensive pressure and still managed to showcase one of the most rounded offensive seasons in the league.
Moreover, he was sidelined for the Lakers’ last five regular-season games and the entire postseason due to a serious hamstring injury.
In his absence, the Lakers managed to sweep the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, but were then swept by the top-seeded Thunder in the conference semifinals.
While Pierce’s remarks likely reflect his Celtics allegiance, this discussion emphasizes the longstanding rivalry more than the actual selection process.
