When fans talk about LeBron James? Greatest rivalries of his career, most young NBA fans would instantly think of his 4 consecutive finals matchups against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. But before that iconic rivalry, LeBron had another arch nemesis who proved to be a nuisance for the King in the playoffs, Celtics Legend Paul Pierce. LeBron went head-to-head with Pierce in the playoffs multiple times and came out on top on most occasions.
Paul Pierce sat down with former teammate Kevin Garnett and talked about the possibility of LeBron playing in the Olympics one last time.
Paul Pierce thinks the 2024 Olympics will be LeBron?s Last Dance
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After playing 20 seasons in the NBA and winning 4 Championships, LeBron has achieved all there is in the game of basketball. With LeBron turning 39 later this year, he might hang up the boots in a few years. In the latest episode of KG Certified, ‘Big Ticket’ and ‘The Truth’ talked about the probable USA roster for the 2024 Olympics. Pierce shocked Garnett with his statement, ?I really think LeBron is gonna go. This will be his final Olympics.? LeBron is a 2 time Olympic gold medalist, and previously suited up for Team USA in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics. But Pierce thinks that the 2024 Olympics will be LeBron?s last hurrah, and he will want to play for Team USA one last time.
The current USA roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup consists of young NBA rising stars like Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Austin Reaves. The team does not include big names or NBA veterans, who usually tend to focus on the Olympics more than the World Cup. Pierce also threw in names like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard saying, ?This is not gonna be the Olympics team.? for the current USA roster.
Paul Pierce was LeBron James? arch nemesis
It is great to see the Celtics legend showing respect to the King after his retirement, as they were always butting heads during their prime. Being in the Eastern Conference for most of their careers, LeBron and Pierce crossed paths several times in the playoffs, getting the better of each other on various occasions. Paul Pierce and the Celtics defeated LeBron James? led Cavaliers team in the 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinal in a 7-game series. The Celtics went on to become the NBA champions that year, beating Kobe Bryant?s Lakers in the finals.
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LeBron returned the favor in 2011 and 2012 and gave the most iconic performance of his career down 3-2 in the 2012 Eastern Conference finals. With his back against the wall, LeBron silenced the TD Garden with his 45 points and 15 Rebounds performance tying the series on the road. LeBron later went on to win his first NBA title, beating OKC in the final.
LeBron, however is showing no signs of slowing down as he averaged nearly 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in his 20th season. So, it is not improbable that Pierce?s prediction might come true and fans get to see LeBron in the USA jersey one last time in the Olympics.
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