Paul Pierce Sparks Controversy Again With Comments About Kobe Bryant and Luka Doncic

Paul Pierce’s latest podcast appearance has stirred the NBA world once more, as the Hall of Famer continues to weigh in on basketball legacies. This time, Pierce made comments that many interpreted as an attempt to diminish the legacy of Kobe Bryant, a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history, while promoting Luka Doncic as the league’s next big face. Given Bryant’s passing in 2020, fans and analysts quickly took to social media to challenge Pierce’s remarks.

Pierce Names Luka Doncic the Next Face of the NBA

During an appearance on the No Fouls Given podcast, Pierce shared his perspective on who he believes will succeed LeBron James as the face of the NBA. With LeBron entering his 23rd season, discussions about succession have become increasingly common. Pierce declared:

“The next face of the league is going to be Luka Doncic.”

The conversation then turned to past NBA stars who could be considered the “face of the league” since Michael Jordan’s retirement. When co-hosts brought up Kobe Bryant, Pierce immediately objected.

“Kobe was never just like the face of the league. It was Jordan…think about it…Kobe was young when Mike retired. Then you can probably say Shaq or Allen Iverson for a year or two,” Pierce said.

(Reported by ESPN and The Athletic)

Revisiting Kobe Bryant’s Legacy

Pierce’s comments drew strong reactions online, as many argued that Kobe Bryant unquestionably served as the NBA’s marquee player during much of the 2000s. While Pierce often praises Kobe’s skill and competitiveness in other contexts—he previously described seeing “Jordan’s reflection” in Bryant during NBA Finals matchups—his latest remarks downplayed Kobe’s influence.

Historically, Bryant emerged as the league’s premier player in the years following Shaquille O’Neal’s departure from the Lakers. From roughly 2005 to 2010, Kobe dominated scoring charts, won MVP accolades, and represented the NBA’s global image through endorsements and international recognition. During that era, the NBA leveraged Bryant’s talent and popularity to expand its reach worldwide.

(Reported by Bleacher Report and CBS Sports)

Pierce vs. Kobe Fans

Social media quickly reacted to Pierce’s claim. Comments ranged from humorous disbelief to outright criticism:

• “So Kobe wasn’t the face from ’06 to 2010? He won championships in the biggest market, MVPs, scoring titles…LMAO,” one fan wrote.

• “Kobe was definitely the face of the NBA, more than LeBron. LeBron is corny,” added another.

• Some fans referenced Bryant’s early All-Star selections and corporate endorsements as proof of his league-wide prominence.

Others acknowledged Pierce’s historical perspective, noting shifts in league marketing due to Bryant’s legal troubles in Colorado in 2003, which temporarily affected his public image. Yet, most agree that Kobe’s eventual comeback and championship success solidified his position as the face of the NBA during the mid-to-late 2000s.

Luka Doncic’s Ascendancy

Pierce’s prediction that Luka Doncic is the NBA’s next face reflects the young star’s rapid rise. Doncic currently leads the league in scoring and has become the central figure for the Dallas Mavericks, a team increasingly viewed as a playoff contender. With an average of 34.6 points per game this season, Doncic is recognized as one of the most prolific offensive talents in modern NBA history.

Other potential “faces” of the league cited by analysts include Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and the rising star Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Before his injury, Jayson Tatum was also frequently mentioned in discussions about the league’s future stars.

(Reported by Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports)

The Revisionist Debate

Pierce’s comments have reignited a familiar debate about revisionist history in the NBA. While some defend his perspective as a chronological analysis of league leadership, many fans see it as diminishing Kobe Bryant’s well-established impact on basketball and global culture. Pierce’s tendency to elevate his own legacy or that of contemporaries—sometimes at the expense of other stars—has fueled continued controversy online.

As one fan summarized:

“Kobe Bryant was marketed as the face of the NBA before LeBron. Period. Anyone old enough to remember would disagree with this Paul Pierce take.”

Whether one agrees with Pierce or not, his podcast remarks have once again highlighted the passionate discourse surrounding NBA legacies, the evolving face of the league, and how history is remembered by players, analysts, and fans alike.