BOSTON — The Celtics have played a huge part in LeBron James’ NBA career.
So, naturally, when James gets around to writing a book, the historic franchise will be included.
“It was (a great rivalry),” James said after Tuesday night’s Cavaliers win over the Celtics at TD Garden. “As I continue to say, at one point when I write my book, they will have a chapter. Paul, Ray, Perk, KG, what they did for my career.”
James has played against the Celtics in the NBA playoffs five times, three with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2008, 2010 and 2015, and twice more with the Miami Heat in 2011 and 2012.
James was eliminated by Boston in 2008 and 2010, and it was the second defeat that saw him leave Cleveland and team up with superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat. James finally beat the Celtics in the 2011 playoffs and eliminated Boston again in a seven-game Eastern Conference Finals series in 2012 en route to his first championship.
The rivalry between James and the Celtics doesn’t have the same luster as it used to, mostly because the five key members of those Boston teams — Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo — all play on different clubs or have retired.
Even with those five players gone, Boston still is a special place for James. After all, he’s scored more points against the Celtics than any other team.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
