BREAKING NEWS: Los Angeles star Paul Pierce Floats Idea of Lakers Swinging Blockbuster Trade for Former MVP after receiving…see More

Los Angeles, CA – May 31, 2025 — NBA legend and former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce is making headlines again, this time not for his on-court heroics but for stirring the pot in the offseason trade rumor mill. During a recent appearance on a popular sports talk show, Pierce floated the bold idea that the Los Angeles Lakers should swing a blockbuster trade for a former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) — a move that would send shockwaves through the league.

Pierce, who has become known for his candid and often controversial takes, suggested that the Lakers should “go all-in” to acquire James Harden, the ten-time All-Star and 2018 MVP. The 35-year-old guard is currently entering free agency after a rollercoaster season with the Los Angeles Clippers, and his future remains uncertain.

“If the Lakers want to maximize LeBron’s final years and give Anthony Davis the help he needs, Harden could be the guy,” Pierce said. “He still has elite playmaking, he can carry the offense, and it’s LA — the stars align here.”

This comes just days after the Lakers were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals, prompting questions about the team’s direction heading into the 2025–2026 season. With LeBron James contemplating retirement or a potential final run, and the front office under pressure to deliver results, the timing of Pierce’s comments adds fuel to a growing firestorm of speculation.

Sources close to the situation have not confirmed any formal discussions between the Lakers and Harden’s representatives, but league insiders suggest that the Lakers are expected to be “aggressive” this offseason. Harden, despite his age, still averaged 19.2 points and 8.7 assists per game last season — numbers that could be pivotal for a Lakers team lacking consistent perimeter creation.

While some fans are intrigued by the idea of a “Big Three” featuring LeBron, AD, and Harden, others question whether such a move would improve team chemistry or exacerbate existing defensive woes.

The Lakers have limited trade assets and cap space, meaning a sign-and-trade or creative roster reshuffling would be required. It’s also unclear how head coach JJ Redick, who recently signed a multi-year deal, would feel about integrating another high-usage guard into his developing system.

Still, Paul Pierce’s comments have reignited the conversation — and in a city built on star power, anything is possible.