“Think it was something personal between LeBron James and Paul Pierce”: Former Heat teammate Mario Chalmers opens up about the rivalry amidst the King and the Truth

LeBron James’ former teammate Mario Chalmers talks about the rivalry that existed between the King and Paul ‘The Truth’ Pierce

NBA basketball is always fun to watch. Although, the addition of some rivalries just makes the whole deal a lot more fun to watch. When one thinks of current-day NBA rivalries, a few come to mind.

There is the one between Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard. During these playoffs alone, we found new rivalries, including Trae Young and the Knicks’ fans, Nuggets vs Blazers, and revisited Paul George vs the Jazz.

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However, around a decade ago, there was one Eastern rivalry that used to be a delight to watch. It was between LeBron James and Paul Pierce.

The two battled it out multiple times over the years and kept exchanging punches. Upon being asked about their rivalry, LeBron’s former teammate Mario Chalmers had something to add.

Mario Chalmers claims things may have been personal between LeBron James and Paul Pierce

LeBron James and Paul Pierce have faced off against each other quite a few times. The results haven’t always been one-sided, but in the end, LeBron had the last laugh.

Pierce and his Celtics took down LeBron in 2008 and 2010. However, once LBJ switched to the Heat, he took down Pierce thrice, twice with the Celtics and one when he was with the Nets.

According to LeBron’s former Miami teammate Mario Chalmers, the rivalry between the two was ‘something personal’. He continued, and added,

“But for me, I just feel like Paul Pierce never got the respect that he deserved when it comes to him being that type of caliber player he is – because when you think about the top small forwards, you don’t name Paul Pierce.”

“You name T-Mac, Scottie Pippen, James Worthy… you name guys like that. And I just feel like when they named ‘Bron he’s like he’s did things and I should be up there too, I did just as much as these guys did; I got the ring, I got the numbers…why is my name NOT up there?”

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The Truth, despite his sordid history currently, was an excellent player, and he deserves his recognition for the same.