NBA superstar LeBron James was the prodigal son of Cleveland. It was destiny when the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him in 2003. As everyone expected, the rookie hit the ground running and took the league by storm.

However, James was not able to achieve team success. After seven seasons with the Cavaliers, James moved to the Miami Heat in search of an NBA ring. Recently, a former NBA champion claimed that he was a crucial reason behind this decision.

NBA legend’s huge claim about LeBron James

LeBron James did almost everything during his time with the Cavaliers. Even though he did not win a title during his first stint, he still helped the relatively weaker team make the playoffs consistently. However, they struggled in the playoffs. Notably, the Cavs faced multiple defeats at the hands of the Boston Celtics.

Recently, Celtics legend Paul Pierce reminded the fans about James’ decision to take his talents to South Beach. The 45-year-old recently made an appearance on the Come And Talk 2 Me podcast.

During the show, ‘The Truth’ answered some interesting questions. In one instance, Pierce was asked whether he considered himself better than the ‘Akron Hammer’ during his prime. Pierce admitted that the four-time NBA MVP was better but noted that he could be better than him on any given day. Furthermore, he claimed that he was the reason for LeBron left Cleveland.

Pierce said, “Let’s talk about it. I’m the big reason he went to Miami. I’m a big reason, I’m a big part of it. Let’s talk about that. When I went for 41 in game-7, sent him home.”

The game Pierce is referring to is the second round of the 2007-08 playoffs, when the Celtics defeated the Cavs. Pierce was talking about his 41-point, game-7 performance, where, notably, James scored 45 points as well. With this reminder, the Hall of Famer has arguably triggered the painful memories of the Cavs fans when James left.

After the defeat, James was seen taking off his jersey on his way to the dressing room, sparking exit rumors. A few months later, he eventually joined the Miami-based outfit.

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Paul Pierce’s “biggest rival” claim

Paul Pierce has had some interesting comments about LeBron James over the years. Recently, he claimed that he was the biggest rival of James and offered help to Dillon Brooks.

Pierce shared on Twitter, “Talk to me if u wanna go at Lebron if u need advice I?m his biggest rival bro.” The Celtics legend said this when Brooks beefed with James during the playoffs.

Do you think Pierce’s presence sent James running to the Miami Heat? Let us know in the comments below.

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