The former Boston Celtics star made the bold claim on Friday’s episode of FS1 debate show Undisputed.

Paul Pierce claims he took LeBron James’ career to a new levelCredit: FS1

Pierce was referencing the Boston Celtics’ playoff battles with the Miami HeatCredit: Getty

Pierce’s claim was met with a dismissive hand gesture by Keyshawn JohnsonCredit: FS1

“I truly feel responsible for taking LeBron to that, taking him to that next level,” said Pierce.

Pierce’s hot take was promptly met with a dismissive hand gesture by co-host Keyshawn Johnson.

But the NBA champion continued undeterred as he referenced Miami Heat’s win over the Celtics in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals.

James dropped 45 points in that game to force a Game 7, which the Heat won before going on to lift the NBA championship.

“When he went to Miami, Game 6 in Boston when we had them on the ropes to go back to the Finals, I think that was the game that took LeBron to the next level,” Pierce added.

Host Skip Bayless then asked Pierce if LeBron’s rise was specifically because it was against him.

Pierce then conceded that he split guarding duties against LeBeron with that his teammate Brandon Bass.

“It wasn’t a lot against me,” he continued.

“I was a little older, so we switched off a little. I guarded him a half. Brandon Bass was guarding him.

“But, I think that, right there, Game 6, I believe it was his first year in Miami, we [were] up 3-2 at home to go to the Finals, and that’s when it took him to the next level.”
Paul Pierce’s shocked reaction after finding out little-known fact about NBA Draft star Reed Sheppard live on Undisputed
Social media went ablaze with Pierce’s moment of self-congratulation.

“Show me something Paul Pierce doesn’t feel personally responsible for,” one fan said.

“The man is hilarious,” another fan said.

“Bruh delusional,” a third fan noted.

But Pierce was defended by some fans for his statement.

“I mean he not entirely wrong, MJ had go through Isiah to get where he needed to go,” one fan said.

What the new TV deal means for the NBA?

By The U.S. Sun’s Assistant Sports Editor Damian Burchardt.

THE new TV rights deal is promising to be a humongous win for NBA players.

The league is set to more than double the revenue coming from its media partners, pocketing about $6.9 billion per year, which will inevitably lead to a huge salary cap spike in 2025-26.

That is going to send the value of player contracts skyrocketing.

Projected figures suggest we might see the first $100 million-per-year deal being signed soon.

Currently, Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum is projected to earn the highest single-season salary in NBA history, collecting $71.5 million in 2029-30.

It does feel like basketball fans would be on the losing side of the fight if the NBA and TNT indeed parted ways, though.

Inside the NBA is a one-of-a-kind sports entertainment show, as evidenced by ESPN’s ongoing failure to come up with its own version of the program in recent years.

The NBA won’t be the same without Kenny and Ernie trying to make sense of Shaq and Chuck’s never-ending bickering every Tuesday night.

In March, Pierce said on Undisputed that the key to the Los Angeles Lakers finding success is LeBron taking a smaller role.

Pierce said LeBron needs to “step back” and allow the team to function without the ball in his hands.

“I’m tired of the Lakers,” Pierce said.

“Yea, the Lakers are gonna lose and LeBron is gonna get 40. He’s great at getting his stats.

“But the truth of the matter, when I’ve been watching the Lakers this year, yes, LeBron’s been great numbers-wise, but he’s got to take a step back.”