Pierce says relationship with LeBron 'misunderstood'

Paul Pierce doesn't dislike LeBron James and believes people have developed a misconception about their relationship. 

Pierce and James have had some heated battles on the court over the years, something five playoff series in a seven-year span against one another will do. 

But there's nothing personal.

"I think a lot of it is really misunderstood," Pierce said Thursday, according to Michael Wallace of ESPN. "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. 

Both have joined new teams since their last battle when James' Miami Heat eliminated Pierce and the Brooklyn Nets in the second round of last year's playoffs.

The two will face off for the first time this season Friday when Pierce's Washington Wizards host James' Cleveland Cavaliers. Don't be surprised if the contest gets chippy. But if it does, it will have more to do with the competitiveness of each player - Pierce gets up for games against James. 

"It's just the competitive nature of both of us being at the same position, being on the top teams, gunning for the same trophy year in and year out, and that's where that comes into play," Pierce said. "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 (Friday)."

The Cavaliers are surprisingly looking up to the Wizards in the standings, although it's still early in the season and Washington has a strong team. Cleveland carries a 5-5 record into the contest, while the first-place Wizards are 7-3.