Paul Pierce hits Kobe Bryant with a sick old man burn

The L.A. Clippers held media day on Friday (read more about it here and here). Paul Pierce was one of the many new faces to take the spotlight for the first time in Clipper colors, and he was candid about what kind of role he'd be playing with his new team. Aside from saying he'd retire if the Clips were to take home the 2015-16 NBA title, the 18-year pro took a lighthearted shot at a certain intracity rival:

"That will be tough on some guys in L.A. to take on that (reduced) role *cough* Kobe *cough* I mean, you know, we get older." —Paul Pierce

— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) September 25, 2015

Ouch, Kobe!

Pierce is well aware that he's in the twilight of his career, and acknowledged that his primary individual goal is to be healthy enough to contribute come playoff time. He also said that as a result, his minutes will likely be limited during the regular season.

Despite maintaining a civil and friendly rivalry with Kobe Bryant through the years, the Truth isn't shy about speaking the harsh truth about the aging Lakers star. Kobe finished last season with a rather hefty usage rate of 34.9% (per Basketball Reference), which ranked second in the league behind Russell Westbrook. That's an awful lot of chuckin' for a guy connecting on just 37% of said attempts. Then again, it's Kobe Bryant. What else are we to expect?

Anyway, nicely done, Paul. Something tells me you'll fit right in here, even if you don't quite understand how emojis are supposed to work.