LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers sent a message to the Milwaukee Bucks and the rest of the league that they may be the favorites when playoff time comes. LeBron turned in a spectacular performance, recording 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists while imposing his will on MVP front runner Giannis Antetokounmpo.

While Giannis still put up decent numbers, Paul Pierce doesn’t believe he was able to assert himself as he usually does, and a big reason for that was the play on both ends of the floor from LeBron James, as well as a lack of another superstar on the Bucks’ roster.

“(Giannis) had a big game when you look at the numbers, but he didn’t impose his will,” Pierce said. “He needs some help. He needs a consistent second superstar, and that’s the one things that worries me about the Bucks if they were to get to the Finals.”