LeBron James: Lakers star will not like this message from NBA legend Paul Pierce
LEBRON JAMES will have to cope with missing the playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time since his second season in the NBA.
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That’s the opinion of Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce, who believes even if James remains fit for the remainder of the season that the Lakers won’t reach the postseason.
The Lakers were fourth in the Western Conference before James suffered a groin injury in the Christmas Day win over the Golden State Warriors.
He has only recently returned to the line-up, helping the Lakers record a thrilling win over the Celtics at the weekend.
But the Lakers have found themselves drop down the standings, currently sitting in 10th place.
They are two games back from the Sacramento Kings in the final playoff spot, and play their final game before the All-Star break tonight against the Atlanta Hawks.
While the Lakers will be expected to pick up an easy win against Atlanta, they have one of the toughest schedules for the end of the season.
And Pierce isn’t confident about the Lakers reaching the postseason, even if James plays every game.
“Every game is a must-win,” Pierce said on ESPN’s The Jump.
“I really don’t think that the Lakers make the playoffs.
“LeBron has to play all the games, even if he sits a couple…
“If something happens to LeBron then there’s no chance.
“I still think a healthy Lakers team won’t make the playoffs.
“They’ve got a tough schedule.”
The Lakers will be without Josh Hart tonight while Tyson Chandler and Mike Muscala have been listed as questionable.
The All-Star weekend gets underway on Friday night with the Celebrity Game taking place ahead of the Rising Stars game.