Paul Pierce didn’t hold back when discussing the playoff potential of the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
Speaking on the No Fouls Given podcast, the former NBA star criticized both teams for what he sees as poor decision-making in high-pressure situations.
The comments came after a tightly contested game on Sunday, where the Lakers narrowly defeated the Suns 116-114.
The matchup featured a heated showdown between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks, who was ejected late in the game after committing a second technical foul.
Pierce was unimpressed by the closing minutes.
“This was the lowest IQ, last 4-minutes of a game I’ve seen this season… Neither one of these teams can win a playoff series,” he said.
The final stretch was chaotic. The Lakers had squandered a 20-point lead, and Brooks‘ three-pointer briefly gave the Suns a one-point advantage.
After his ejection, Devin Booker fouled James on a three-point attempt, and James converted two free throws to reclaim the lead.
A late three-pointer from Grayson Allen missed, and Marcus Smart sealed the win with one made free throw.
Pierce’s connection to the Lakers and Suns
Pierce has a personal history with both teams. During his time with the Boston Celtics, he faced the Lakers in multiple NBA Finals matchups, winning the title in 2008 before falling to them in 2010.
Growing up in Inglewood, California, Pierce was a Lakers fan, adding extra weight to his opinions.
As a TV analyst, Pierce has long shared candid assessments of the Suns. He praised Devin Booker‘s MVP-caliber talent while criticizing Kevin Durant and questioning the Suns‘ championship prospects back in 2022.
His latest comments suggest he remains skeptical about either team thriving under playoff pressure.
For Pierce, it’s clear: talent alone won’t carry these teams deep into the postseason if decision-making in critical moments doesn’t improve.
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