On playing the Lakers, his favorite team growing up:

“Is it a little weird? Yeah. I mean, definitely,” Pierce said. “But, I think it’s weirder for my friends, who are not playing for the Celtics, and who grew up LA fans and are all of a sudden Celtics fans because of me. For me, I’ve accepted the Celtics tradition. I’m a part of it. I’m here now, and I’m for the Celtics.”

On Ron Artest:

“We’ve been playing against each since he was in Indiana,” Pierce said of Artest. “He’s a great competitor. A guy who has been on the All-Defensive team. A guy who I’ve matched up with over the last 10-11 years. He’s one of the best defenders I’ve ever played against. He takes pride in that. Just being able to lock down his opponents night in and night out. We’ve had some battles, and it’s going to be a tough challenge.

“He’s the most physical player at that position, at the wing. Even though he plays forward and guard, he plays you like a power forward/center. He likes to bang you, grab you, hold you, pull your shorts down. Anything. By playing him over the years, I’ve become used to the things he tries to do. I just try to go out and play my game, and not get into the antics with him.” [...]

“Ron is a perfect compliment to Kobe,” Pierce said. You know, last time we played them, you saw Kobe going around guarding everyone from me, Ray Allen to Rondo, and he doesn’t have that pressure anymore. Now he does haven’t to think so hard on defensive and can do what he does best. Control the game and make clutch shots and will his team to win.”

On Kobe:

“I’ve been through series when I’ve had to guard Wade, LeBron, Vince Carter—I’m not saying those guys are on Kobe level, but mentally and physically, I’m ready for the challenge.”

On the possibility of winning another championship:

“It means everything,” he said. “First, solidifying what I’ve done in my career in Boston, and then, hopefully can move me up the ranks of best Celtics players of all time, maybe even NBA history.” [...]

“I want to play against LA,” he said. “I want to go there and try to win the championship in my hometown, again.”

Now, I’m off to go play it as it lies.  Wish me luck… the golf gods know I’m going to need it.