Former Celtics star Paul Pierce has pleaded not guilty to charges that he was driving impaired in the Los Angeles area last month, authorities said.

Pierce pleaded not guilty through his counsel on Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office.

His next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16, the office said.

A representative for Pierce didn’t return a request for comment. WHDH-TV previously reported on his arraignment.

On the night of Oct. 7, Pierce was allegedly found asleep at the wheel of a Range Rover SUV stopped on US Highway 101, a major freeway that goes through the San Fernando Valley , according to the California Highway Patrol.

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Troopers had earlier closed four of six lanes on the highway after a multi-vehicle crash south of

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