Lakers Facing Doubts About Playoff Chances

NBA legend Paul Pierce predicts Lakers won't make it out of first round

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite the Los Angeles Lakers being a top team in the tight Western Conference, NBA legend Paul Pierce lacks confidence in their chances of making a deep playoff run. Pierce believes the Lakers would struggle against teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets, and doesn't think they will make it out of the first round.

Why it matters

The Lakers have been one of the better teams in the West this season, but there are growing concerns about their ability to win in the playoffs. As the standings remain tight, the Lakers' first-round matchup could be crucial, and Pierce's doubts add to the uncertainty surrounding the team's postseason prospects.

The details

On the 'No Fouls Given' podcast, Paul Pierce said, 'Like, if they have to play Timberwolves, Nuggets, Rockets. I don't think they can beat any of these three teams. I don't think they will make it out of the first round.' The Lakers currently have a 0.5 game lead over the Rockets and are just 1.5 games ahead of the sixth-seeded Timberwolves. While the Lakers have had success against Minnesota this season, going 3-0, Pierce believes that won't be enough in the playoffs.

  • The 2025-2026 NBA regular season is nearing its end, with just a few weeks remaining.
  • The Lakers' overtime win against the Denver Nuggets on March 16 was their fifth straight victory.

The players

Paul Pierce

A former Boston Celtics star and NBA legend who is now a media analyst, expressing doubts about the Lakers' playoff chances.

Los Angeles Lakers

A top team in the tight Western Conference, currently holding the third seed but facing concerns about their ability to make a deep playoff run.

Minnesota Timberwolves

A team the Lakers have had success against this season, but Pierce believes the Timberwolves could beat the Lakers in a playoff series.

Denver Nuggets

Another team that Pierce thinks could defeat the Lakers in the playoffs.

Houston Rockets

A team that Pierce also believes could knock the Lakers out of the playoffs in the first round.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Like, if they have to play Timberwolves, Nuggets, Rockets. I don't think they can beat any of these three teams. I don't think they will make it out of the first round.”

— Paul Pierce, NBA Legend

What’s next

The Lakers' final few regular season games will be crucial in determining their playoff seeding and first-round matchup. If they end up facing the Timberwolves, Nuggets, or Rockets, they will need to prove Pierce's doubts wrong and show they can win a playoff series against those teams.

The takeaway

The Lakers have been one of the better teams in the West this season, but there are growing concerns about their ability to win in the playoffs. NBA legend Paul Pierce's doubts about their chances of making it out of the first round add to the uncertainty surrounding the team's postseason prospects, highlighting the need for them to prove they can win against tough Western Conference opponents.