Paul Pierce Says He Doesn't Want To Punch LeBron James

Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce says his rivalry with Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is built off competitiveness.

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Paul Pierce and LeBron James have had one of the best player rivalries of this NBA era.

The two have had five postseason battles and they’ve often became testy.

However, the rivalry is not built off hatred of each other, Pierce told ESPN.

"“I think a lot of it is really misunderstood,” Pierce said Thursday. “If I see LeBron walking down the street, it’s not going to be no fistfight. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. It’s like fighting for the same girl. How am I going to be cool with that guy? I’ve got total respect for him as a person. It’s just the thing we go through on the court.”"

Pierce’s point is well-taken. LeBron and Paul were both chasing championships and often had to beat the other to have a shot at one. When playing that many important games against the same player, a rivalry is bound to be born.

James and Pierce’s best postseason battles came during LeBron’s first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the first two few years of his Miami Heat career while Pierce was with the Boston Celtics.

The following is perhaps their best:

In June 2013, LeBron called Pierce his biggest rival. However, LeBron said in October later that year he no longer views Pierce as a rival, likely because the Washington Wizards forward has aged and is no longer the player he once was.

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Paul Pierce Says He Doesn’t Want To Punch LeBron James

By Sam Richmond | Nov 20, 2014

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