Miami Heat forward LeBron James (L) and Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce talk during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Massachusetts October 26, 2010.
Miami Heat forward LeBron James (L) and Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce talk during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Massachusetts October 26, 2010. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

There's an added spice when individual rivalries meet in the playoffs, but playoffs or not, Paul Pierce is looking forward to face long-time nemesis LeBron James on Saturday (AEST) when his Washington Wizards face off with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"The Truth" isn't the friendliest of players on the hardwood, which can be attributed to his competitive nature, but he disclosed that the "special relationship" that he has with "King James" is all about passion to be the best and if not, to beat the best.

"I think a lot of it is really misunderstood," said Pierce.

"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."

"It's just something about great players when they play in certain arenas or against other great players. They elevate their play. LeBron is one of those guys. He feels the moment. He understands the moment. And this could be a moment tomorrow."

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Meanwhile, Pierce admitted that he did not see LeBron's return to the team that drafted him coming, especially with the success that he enjoyed with the Miami Heat - making four straight finals appearances and snatching two championships in the process.

"I thought with the run they had in Miami, going to four straight Finals, that it wouldn't deter him, losing in the Finals," he added.

"But that's good for him and good for the game. It also shifts the balance of power. We all know how tough it is to put together a team and try to win a championship in that first year, which makes the Eastern Conference that much wide open."

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