The Los Angeles Lakers have kicked off the 2025–26 NBA season in impressive fashion, surprising everyone with a solid 7–2 record despite LeBron James’ absence. And that very absence has sparked an increasingly heated debate: how much do the Lakers still need “The King”?

While some insist his return is essential, Paul Pierce has proposed something that stunned fans – and even his former teammate Kevin Garnett: LeBron should embrace a sixth-man role.

Pierce: “With Doncic starting, balance is key”

Pierce explained his stance during an episode of KG Certified, arguing that the coexistence between LeBron and Luka Doncic doesn’t really work:

For the Lakers to function, when LeBron returns from his sciatic issue, he should come off the bench

Paul Pierce

According to Pierce, the 40-year-old James is still capable of high-level production, but he no longer fits the system that JJ Redick has built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The former Celtics legend sees LeBron as the perfect leader of the second unit – someone who can run the offense when the Slovenian star takes a rest.

Kevin Garnett, however, pushed back strongly:

LeBron is still playing at an All-NBA level. You can’t bring him off the bench with role players

Kevin Garnett

Pierce fired back, reminding Garnett of the Lakers’ disappointing first-round exit in the 2025 playoffs against Minnesota:

What happened to the Lakers in the playoffs? It didn’t work – and we both know it

Paul Pierce

LeBron’s return draws near

As the debate rages, LeBron continues to work toward a comeback. Coach JJ Redick revealed that James will train with the South Bay Lakers, the franchise’s G League affiliate, to regain rhythm and conditioning.

James has yet to play a single game this season after being sidelined with a sciatic nerve issue during training camp. The team hasn’t set a specific return date, but his comeback appears to be getting closer.

The Lakers’ next challenge

The real test will be seeing whether James can reintegrate without disrupting the chemistry that has made the Lakers so competitive early on. With Doncic leading the charge and a roster that finally seems unified, Redick will have to find a way to make both stars shine.

Pierce believes the answer lies in role management, not reputation:

LeBron can still dominate – just differently. It’s time to think about what’s best for the team

Paul Pierce

Whether he’s right or not will be decided on the court. In Los Angeles, the question is no longer if LeBron will return… but how he will.