Media

Paul Pierce proceeds to give LeBron James ultimate compliment ahead of Game 5 vs. Miami Heat

Published by
Ryan Ward

The Los Angeles Lakers head into Game 5 of the NBA Finals with the opportunity to win it all and lift another championship banner in the rafters at Staples Center.

Ahead of the showdown with the Miami Heat on Friday night, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce made a bold claim about LeBron James, who he famously has been reluctant to praise publicly.

“What more can you say about James doing it on his third team eventually going to get the MVP,” Pierce said. “I will say this, no one player has impacted winning more than LeBron James in NBA history.

“My hat’s off to him. and I said, if he wins this year’s championship, I put him right there right behind Mike (Michael Jordan).”

Pierce has been adamant about downplaying James’ legacy and impact, but this is a drastic change in opinion by the one-time NBA champion.

As for James’ legacy, the narrative will almost certainly change if he can lead a third NBA franchise to a title. The Lakers are on the cusp of winning the franchise’s 17th title, which would tie the Celtics for the most in the league’s history.

Ryan Ward

Ryan is a veteran sportswriter who has covered the NBA and NFL for nearly a decade. Along with numerous exclusive interviews with professional athletes, Ryan has been credentialed by the Los Angeles Lakers since 2011. Follow him on Twitter @RyanWardLA.

Published by
Ryan Ward

Recent Posts

Report: Lakers coach J.J. Redick lost his home in Southern California wildfires

Some folks in NBA circles have been impacted by the wildfires wreaking havoc in Southern…

January 9, 2025

Ex-teammate thinks Kobe started feeling like he was being asked to sacrifice too much in 2000-01 season alongside Shaq

When the start of the 2000-01 season rolled around for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe…

January 8, 2025

Report: Lakers have ‘no interest’ in trading Dalton Knecht or Rui Hachimura

The Los Angeles Lakers aren't interested in trading rookie Dalton Knecht or forward Rui Hachimura…

January 7, 2025

J.J. Redick provides encouraging update regarding Jarred Vanderbilt’s return to action

Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick provided a positive update on forward Jarred Vanderbilt…

January 6, 2025

Michael Jordan’s ex-teammate seemingly laughs at LeBron James being called the G.O.A.T.

With Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James recently passing Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan…

January 5, 2025

Michael Jordan’s former teammate issues telling reaction to LeBron James passing Bulls legend in 30-point games

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James eclipsed former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan in one…

January 4, 2025