In the first episode of Keyshaun Johnson’s limited series “La Legend,” Baron Davis boldly declared Paul Pierce the greatest athlete to come out of the Los Angeles area. Davis emphasized Pierce’s Hall of Fame status and NBA championship as key factors in this ranking, a sentiment Johnson agreed with wholeheartedly. This perspective places Pierce among LA legends like Jackie Robinson and John Elway. Pierce, famed for leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008, certainly has a strong claim in a city known for producing sports icons.
Joining the discussion were Johnson, Davis, Pierce, and 15-year NFL veteran and three-time Pro Bowler Brandon Jackson, who each shared their experiences growing up in LA and their journeys to professional sports success. Johnson and Davis both chose to stay close to home for college—Johnson at USC and Davis at UCLA—highlighting their deep ties to the city. Johnson attributed his college success in part to the comfort of family support, while Davis expressed his desire to “put LA on the map” and build a legacy.
Pierce and Jackson, however, opted to leave LA for college to avoid the negative influences of gang culture, with Pierce admitting he was near failure in his senior year before choosing to attend the University of Kansas. Despite leaving, Pierce acknowledged how the streets of LA shaped him and taught important life lessons. This path helped him launch into becoming one of LA’s greatest athletes.
Jackson chose UC Berkeley after USC’s head coach Pete Carroll gave his number one jersey to another player. Jackson thrived, earning national recognition in 2006 and leading the Pac-12 in receptions during his sophomore year. Each athlete featured in “South Central Stars” carries the spirit of LA with them as they continue impacting the sport and inspiring future generations. Their stories prove that with focus and dedication, LA athletes can reach the pinnacle of success.
Fan Take: This conversation highlights the incredible talent that Los Angeles continually produces and underscores the importance of support and environment in an athlete’s journey. For basketball fans, recognizing Paul Pierce as the city’s top athlete not only honors his legacy but also inspires hope for future stars emerging from LA’s rich sports culture.
