Paul Pierce said he believes LeBron James should retire from the NBA, though not because of any decline in his level of play.
Speaking on Kevin Garnett’s podcast, Pierce argued that James continues to face unfair criticism despite still performing at a high level at 41 years old.
“Yeah, I think he should, man,” he said. “Just like for the simple fact that at the age that he still receives the criticism that he still does.”
Pierce compared the treatment James receives to the way other NBA legends were viewed near the end of their careers, mentioning both Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.
“The greats wasn’t getting this criticism late,” Pierce said. “Nobody was criticizing Kobe when he wasn’t going to the playoffs in his last year. They was just enjoying his moments. Like, the same with Jordan in Washington.”
James’ future became a major topic after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.
Following the loss, James admitted he still has not decided whether he plans to continue playing.
“Obviously, we’re still fresh from losing – I don’t know what the future holds for me as it stands right now,” James said.
The four-time MVP still produced strong numbers this season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Pierce later emphasized that critics continue judging James as if he were still in his prime.
“For the simple fact that the man is 41, and we still critiquing him like he 25 and should be winning championships still,” Pierce said. “Just the criticism he gets still. He still gets criticism.”
Ex-rival Paul Pierce calls for LeBron James to retire for an odd reason https://t.co/ycUxniKBm3 pic.twitter.com/858GMQdAHi
— New York Post (@nypost) May 16, 2026
