Just about every step of the way in LeBron James’ illustrious career, he has been a thorn in the side of the Boston Celtics. Whether it was failing to get over the hump of the Big 3 Cs in his first stint in Cleveland, finally slaying that dragon with Miami, keeping Boston under his thumb during his second stint in Cleveland, or leading the hated Lakers, James and the Celtics have been arch nemeses forever.
But over 23 years of going to battle, a mutual respect has been built, and though he may not necessarily like them, James has certainly gained a level of respect and admiration for the Celtics as a franchise.