Paul Pierce and LeBron James had their fair share of battles over a decade ago in front of the entire NBA world. Pierce was one of LeBron’s first career rivals, as their battles in the Eastern Conference playoffs are legendary.
Pierce has always treated James as his rival, even though James is still playing while Pierce retired 6 years ago. However, there has been a recent change in tone from Paul to LeBron.
Pierce referred to LeBron James as the GOAT earlier this season in a tweet. Before LeBron took the court in his history-setting game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Pierce said that LeBron would be the GOAT if he set the record while still trailing it by 36 points.
If lebron get it tonight he’s the GOAT if not tonight #2 😂
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) February 8, 2023
After James’ delivered on the promise at the end of the third quarter, Pierce went into full praise of the Lakers star and recognized he has exceeded expectations in his career.
https://twitter.com/paulpierce34/status/162318614172913664
It seems watching LeBron defy age and expectations even in Year 20 has softened his feeling towards his old rival, as he’s now acknowledging the legendary achievements that LeBron has racked up.
LeBron James And Paul Pierce Had A Rivalry For The Ages
LeBron James had his trial by fire in the playoffs while going against Paul Pierce and the Big 3 Boston Celtics, which eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers from the 2008 Playoffs. Celtics beat the Cavs in 2010 also in the series that ended up being LeBron’s final for the team until the 2015 playoffs.
However, the rivalry switched in LeBron’s favor after he joined the Miami Heat. The 2012 series between the Heat and Celtics was iconic but ended in Miami’s favor after LeBron’s insane performances in Games 6 and 7 to save the Heat from a 3-2 deficit.
It seems the perceived hate Pierce had for James for years has subsided. and he can finally just enjoy the legendary career LBJ is living out in front of everyone.
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