LeBron James has faced a lot of big names in his career. As the league's best player, not too many people have challenged him. Arguments can be made for the likes of Boston's Kevin Garnett, Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant or maybe Oklahoma's Kevin Durant, but no one has truly been a battle for James. However, when asked about who his biggest rival in the league was, James had one guy on his mind, Paul Pierce.
NBA TV first asked James if Bryant would be considered his biggest rival. Bryant has accomplished more than James has in his career. As far as longevity is concerned, Bryant will be the one that James will be trying to pass. But when it comes to rivalries, the Lakers star is not on the list.
"I would say that I don't really have an individual rivalry. I think the closest would be Paul Pierce. I would say Boston is a rival of mine because I've met them so many times in the postseason. I've been able to advance against them, they've sent me home fishing a few times. So I would say Boston and Paul Pierce would kind of be that guy, if I had to name just one guy," James said.
Pierce has certainly been a thorn in James' back during the postseason. Back in 2008, James and Pierce battled in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The two went back and forth on shots made. James finished with 45 points, while Pierce scored 41, including the game winning free throws. Boston went on to win the NBA title. James likens that duel to the similar one put on by Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins in 1988.
"I think the second round of the postseason, Game 7, these fans will finally have an opportunity to forget a little bit about what Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins did and remember what Paul and LeBron did," James said.
ESPN once did a story referencing the rivalry between the two players, claiming they once came close to fighting in the hallway during a preseason game back in 2004. Teammates had to break the two away after things got heated. However, both Paul and Pierce reportedly mended the relationship back in All-Star later that season.
James has met Pierce in the playoffs four times. In total, they have played 25 postseason games against one another. With the Miami Heat, James has advanced past Boston twice, but he also lost twice while with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In terms of today, James is playing the better basketball. Questions remain as to whether Pierce could go back and forth on shots with James now. James notes that Bryant could easily be on that list, but the two have never met in the postseason before. While they have had quality regular season battles, nothing compared to what he and Pierce have endured.
