Respect Amongst Rivals as LeBron James Credited For Uplifting Paul Pierce’s Legacy

The Paul Pierce and LeBron James rivalry has been here for almost two decades. But was it as serious as it seemed? Previously, Pierce had excluded James from his list of the top-five NBA players whereas Kenny Smith disagreed with him calling it a personal choice. Furthermore, when ‘The Truth‘ commented on his on-court archrival, most people sided with LeBron. However, he is back to throw some more facts at us and clarify what his relationship with James really means.

While talking to Draymond Green on his YouTube show, Pierce confessed that he considers LeBron a GOAT. Talking about his past statement, he said, “I wouldn’t be who I am today without Bron. And I will say that for the simple fact that I got to match up with him. For the simple fact that I get to have these epic games with him. I wouldn’t be who I am without him.”

He also saluted the King saying, “I’m taking my hat up to him in retirement.” He further clarified everyone’s take on him, “Did I ever hate Bron? Never hated Bron. I always respected him. It’s just that me in the heat of the battle, on a court, we are no friends, bro. That’s just not who I was.” He also added, “Listen, you do what you do with your team over there, i’mma do with my team and I ain’t no love. And they always came like I was a Bron hater but no I appreciate what he done for this game.”

Clearly, there is no love lost as such in between these two on-court rivals. While LeBron James had also called him his rival at one time, Pierce is affirmative on what he believes about Bron now.

The Truth appreciates LeBron James

While talking to Green, the 2008 NBA champion also opposed what he had said back in 2020. Talking about James, he said, “He has re-set the bar and the standard now. He’s pushed the bar so high now that I don’t know if in our lifetime there’s going to be anybody close to him. I respect what he has done for this game on the court and off the court.”

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He also clarified for the James fans that he values the LA Lakers star, “I’m happy to come on your platform and let everybody know this. Yeah, I’ve said some things about Bron but look real recognize real at the end of the day, and he’s just been unbelievable and we appreciate that.”

The story about rivals coming together and making up is always a fascinating one. While we still only have our take on what Pierce believes, LeBron James too doesn’t have any individual rivals that he hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye in the NBA apart from Pierce. It will be interesting to see if King James replies to this take by Pierce. What do you think his reaction will be?

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