Los Angeles Lakers are once again among the leading contenders for the NBA championship, thanks in large part to their formidable trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. With the star-studded core gaining momentum, debates are intensifying around which team—if any—can derail their postseason run. For Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce, one franchise stands out as a serious threat: the Golden State Warriors.
For Pierce, the matchup that could pose the greatest danger to the Lakers is a first-round series against Golden State—a team he believes Los Angeles should avoid at all costs.
“This is the one team I fear for the Lakers in the first round,” Pierce said. “Out of all the teams, this is the one that could bounce the Lakers early. I’d rather face three All-Stars than three Hall of Famers. You’re talking about guys who have already won a title together and can flip the switch in a series. When you have Steph [Curry], Draymond [Green], and Jimmy Butler locked in, that’s a problem.”
“They’ve got Steph, and Draymond—who’s in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation—can guard anybody on that roster,” Pierce added. “I think Luka’s worried about both Draymond and Jimmy Butler.”
How Draymond and Butler complicate things for Doncic and LeBron
On paper, the Lakers have overwhelming offensive firepower. Doncic is a matchup nightmare, LeBron remains a top-10 player, and Reaves has embraced his role with confidence. But Golden State thrives in the postseason by disrupting opposing stars—and that’s where Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler come into play.
Green, enjoying arguably his best defensive season in recent memory, remains one of the league’s elite switch defenders. His ability to anticipate plays and physically wear down opponents could disrupt Doncic’s offensive rhythm—especially in slower, half-court possessions.
Then there’s Butler. A proven playoff performer, Butler excels in high-pressure matchups and can defend elite wings while shouldering a significant scoring load. His willingness to take on the LeBron assignment—and the confidence to challenge him in late-game situations—could shift the balance in a tightly contested series.
Can experience and chemistry trump star power in a seven-game series?
Golden State may not be the deepest or flashiest team on paper, but in the playoffs, pedigree and cohesion often outweigh raw talent. With the championship core of Curry, Green, and head coach Steve Kerr still intact—and the addition of Butler’s playoff toughness—the Warriors have the blend of experience, leadership, and grit that can make life difficult for anyone.
LeBron and Luka may be two of the most gifted players in the NBA, but their partnership is still developing. The Warriors don’t have that concern—they’ve been through battles together and know how to win when the stakes are highest.
In a seven-game series, where every possession matters and mental sharpness can swing momentum, Golden State’s continuity could prove just as dangerous as the Lakers’ superstar firepower.