Bare with me, Lakers fans. I know the headline you just read is a bit shocking. He’s the villain. He was enemy number one for so many years. But according to Brett Poirer of Sheridan Hoops, he could be wearing purple and gold in the future.
Remember, Paul Pierce grew up in California and was a Lakers fan as a child, a narrative oft-told during the 2008 and 2010 Finals. Pierce was born in Oakland and he played basketball in Inglewood. From that standpoint, it makes sense he might want to finish his career with the Lakers.
But would the Lakers be interested? A lot would depend on other moves this summer. Bringing in Pierce is a signal for another title run, which might please Kobe. It would most likely be a follow-up move to a bigger deal, say for Kevin Love. If the Lakers did bring in superstar player, then adding a veteran like Pierce certainly couldn’t hurt, assuming it’s also on a friendly contract (low money for multiple years or big money for one year).
Could Lakers fans willfully root for Pierce? Many still hold a grudge for his theatrics in the 2008 Finals, which I’ll reserve judgement and allow the tape to do the talking.
What do you think, Lakers Nation? Would you root for Paul Pierce as a Laker?