Paul Pierce grew up in Inglewood, watching the L.A. Lakers play at the Great Western Forum. Who would have thought that the Inglewood High alumni and star athlete would one day win an NBA championship title against his former home team?

Even more ironic, Pierce recently won his first NBA title as a member of the Boston Celtics-long standing Lakers rivals. Like the well established UCLA-USC football classic, the celebrated Lakers-Celtics rivalry has become an institution, though less pronounced since Magic Johnson (Lakers) and Larry Bird (Celtics) hung up their jerseys after the heydays of the 80s. The basketball showdown actually began in the 60s.

Childhood memories aside, the 6'7" small forward/shooting guard led his team to an impressive victory over the Lakers in June, ending the 6th game of the 2008 season 131-92, and becoming the NBA's Most Valuable Player.

Inglewood Today Weekly caught up with Pierce last week, who runs a basketball camp for youth during the off-season. Scores of young basketball fans came to the Paul Pierce Basketball Camp at The Hangar in Hawthorne to get a touch from the basketball great, along with autographs and photos. The 10-year Celtics veteran was more than happy to oblige.

"Knowing where I came from, and where I've been, I really want to be an inspiration to kids and let them know, never to give up on their dreams. I really didn't have much when I was growing up, so I'm a living and walking testimony that dreams really do come true."

Having a youth basketball camp was a natural for Pierce, who said he got his philanthropic spirit from his family. Giving back was instilled in Pierce as a young boy, who saw his mother "give her last dime to help somebody." Noting that there are not enough positive role models in the NBA, Pierce dreams of the day he will open his own community center.

"Peer pressure is one of the hardest things to deal with. I try and encourage young people. I tell them to stay away from people who try to make you do things you don't want to do. When I was growing up I tried to stay around positive people, and away from gangs, drugs and violence. If you hang around with them, that's what you end up like."

Inglewood looks a lot different than it did when Pierce was shooting hoops in the Inglewood High School gym. For one thing, there is a lot more to see.

"Walking these same streets, going to the same schools and churches, anything is possible. When I see Costcos and the shopping centers, it's a very positive thing. They've replaced the liquor stores."