LeBron James and Paul Pierce had an intense rivalry when the latter was still playing. Almost for a decade, James and Pierce had some fierce encounters in the Eastern Conference. But with LeBron getting the better of Pierce on most occasions, there seems to be some bitterness. Back in May, Pierce said James was not in his top 5 all-time NBA players. But now Pierce says that could change.

While making an appearance on NBA Countdown on ESPN, Pierce said, “If LeBron James wins his fourth title with three different franchises I will put him back in my top 5 all-time NBA players. He’ll be MVP if they win.”

Co-host Jalen Rose couldn’t hide his laughter, while Jay Williams, the other co-host, just shook his head.

Pierce isn’t the first one to leave out LeBron James

Recently, other former players like Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith had compiled similar lists and left out LeBron. Smith barely had LeBron at the 10th spot on his list. So Pierce was unimpressed with the double standards when he said the same thing as them. “When Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith said they didn’t have him in his top 5 and I didn’t hear all the noise but when I say it, ‘oh he hate LeBron, he don’t like him, it’s personal.’ See that’s what I don’t get.”

With four MVPs and three championships in his belt already, LeBron will be focused on the court, rather on than such lists. He knows this could be his best chance at winning a title, with him turning 36 next year. He has a good chance with DPOY caliber Anthony Davis playing alongside him. The Lakers have also surrounded LeBron with a good pool of veterans, who excel in the three-ball. They have a good all-round squad, but their depth isn’t as good as some other teams.

After ending their scrimmage games, the Lakers will be positive heading into the official games. After losing to the Mavericks in the first scrimmage, they bounced back with wins against the Magic and the Wizards. The Lakers’ first game is on July 30, where they face off against the LA Clippers, and no better way to start a campaign than a victory over your rivals.

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Sources:

What would a fourth NBA title mean for LeBron James’ legacy? | NBA Countdown

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Charles Barkley leaves Kobe and LeBron out of his list of top 5 NBA players of all-time