Considered one of the best rivalries to exist in the modern game, LeBron James and Paul Pierce go way back. They have been rivals since 2003 when Pierce reportedly spat on LeBron.
The two have had numerous bitter matchups against each other, with LeBron having the upper hand. In a recent Instagram post regarding the rivalry, Lakers star Anthony Davis gave his approval.
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AD liked the Instagram post made by House of Highlights, which had a compilation of LeBron James dominating his arch-rival Paul Pierce.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 22, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) wait to enter the game against the LA Clippers in the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Davis gives his approval
Davis, the star forward of the Lakers, gave his approval to a fan. The fan tweeted, “If I was Paul Pierce, I’d Hate LeBron James too.“
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This came after a compilation of LeBron dominating Paul Pierce was shared by the handle. The post received a massive response from fans and it already has around 360k likes. Among those, James’ Lakers teammate Anthony Davis liked the post.
LeBron James and Paul Pierce rivalry
Back in 2003, Paul Pierce reportedly spat on LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers bench.
Pierce’s Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat of LeBron James were also fighting in the Eastern Conference. Being the best players from arch-rivals, their relationship was bound to get bitter.
The battle heated up during the 2013-14 season when Pierce, then playing for the Brooklyn Nets, demanded to guard LeBron. The matchup did not end well for Paul Pierce as James dropped 49 points that night.
In 2014, Paul Pierce demanded to guard LeBron, saying he knew his tendencies more than anyone.
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 20, 2020
LeBron scored 49 points (67% FG) in a win.
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Although the two were bitter rivals, James had nothing but respect for Paul Pierce during his retirement. When asked about Paul’s retirement, LeBron said, “I think for 19 years, he’s put his mark on this game. Somebody I’ve had a lot of battles with, somebody I’ve always respected and competed against and pushed me in the Eastern Conference for quite a while.”
James vs Paul Pierce head-to-head
The two have faced each other 69 times. James has the upper hand with a 35-34 record against Pierce. Out of the 35 victories, 17 of them have come in playoffs for LeBron James.
Getty
WASHINGTON DC, FEBRUARY 20: Washington forward Paul Pierce (34), right, draws a foul on Cleveland forward LeBron James (23) as the Washington Wizards play the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Verizon Center in Washington DC , February 20, 2014 (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
When playing against each other, James averaged 29.2 points,7.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. Pierce, on the other hand averages 18.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. (Source: landofbasketball.com)
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Who do you prefer between LeBron James and Paul Pierce? Let us know in the comments below.
