Another year, another entertaining battle between “Born Ready” and “The King”?
This is the battle that endeared Lance Stephenson to the people of Indianapolis and Pacers fans everywhere. Lance was a borderline all-star during the 2013-14 season. He was sensational, averaging career highs across the board as well as helping the Pacers to a second straight Eastern Conference Finals against none other than, LeBron James.
Though all Pacers fans surely remember how good the young guard had become, most around the league remember antics like this:
Never scared of a challenge or what your name is.
Lance tends to teeter on the precipice between an irritant of the opposition helping Indy win and a burden producing negative energy that may lead to a comfy seat on the bench.
How Lance Stephenson can work his magic and slow down the unstoppable force that is LeBron James
“You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him” is applicable in this situation. In his 15th year, Lebron is having his best statistical season since he left for South Beach back in the summer of 2010.
While this is incredible in its own right, Lance doesn’t care. He likes the challenge. Not to mention: he has the physical talent to compete with James. Lebron is built like an NFL Tight End, but so is Stephenson.
His long arms seem to keep LBJ more uncomfortable than he’s used to on the perimeter while his quickness is enough to move laterally and stay in front of the King.
Lance Stephenson has an effect on Lebron James like no one else does. Believe it or not, it’s real.
During Indy’s 97-95 win back in January, Stephenson played a key role. He scored, rebounded and once again made life hard on Mr. James. Not surprising, it was Lance guarding Lebron down the stretch and even drew a technical foul on the usually level-headed James.
When to watch and what to expect
The when to watch part is easy: as soon as number 1 in the blue and gold checks into the game. He can be a human highlight reel, or he might end up on Shaqtin’ a Fool. Either way, it’s bound to be entertaining.
The what to expect part is a little more difficult to gauge. I wouldn’t expect many fireworks early. Neither one of these two will want to make the series about themselves, not at the start at least.
The more competitive and lengthy the series gets, the more Lance will have an effect.
Lebron is likely to get close to 30 points per game because that’s what he does. Stephenson, on the other hand, figures to be more of an emotional lift than anything. He will have his moments, but if he can sway the momentum in just a couple of games, it could just swing the series into an upset surely nobody will see coming.
Next: It’s time for the Indiana Pacers to shock the world
The world watched as he went toe-to-toe with the best player in the world back in 2014. The stakes aren’t nearly as high, but you’re going to want to see the latest chapter of Lance Stephenson vs LeBron James.
Trust me.