The only reason why it appeared that LBJ outplayed Pierce in the '08 series was because he was younger and thus, was able to grind it out longer. All and all, the Celts played poorly on the road, those first two rounds and thus, it should never have gone seven, two series in a row.
And that's the whole point of this thread. From my p.o.v, Paul Pierce is as great of a player as either LeBron or Kobe. There is however, one difference, the man simply doesn't have the same re-generative capabilities as earlier. This is pure biomed science here. Therefore, the 2002-03 Pierce will not emerge again, a man who, with the help of a bunch of three pt bombers, beat the likes of a former ECF Champ Sixers or Pacers (of Tingsley/J'O/Miller).
My goal is to showcase that 'Mr Fourth Quarter' again. And the only way to do that is to contain Paul's role in the first half of a the game, as one who holds the fort. And yes, we have the headcount to do that now, our teammates are quite excellent. As Mr Fourth Quarter, Paul can in effect, do what LeBron can do, but for a limited spurt, than all game long.