Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Paul Pierce seems to be very aware the end of his career is approaching, even going so far as to say he will probably retire if the Los Angeles Clippers win a championship this season, according to ESPN.com's J.A. Adande (via Bleacher Report's Joe Pantorno).

And so, entering a new season with his new team, the 37-year-old recognizes he will be playing a smaller role—and he's OK with that, though he apparently can't say the same for Kobe Bryant.

Pierce took a jab at the Los Angeles Lakers guard Friday while speaking with Fred Roggin on The Beast 980, saying he thinks it will be tough on "some guys" in L.A. to accept that "reduced" role:

[Kurt Helin]