Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs had many interesting storylines. But, by far was the one between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks. One, that saw the latter undermine The King on several occasions, with his “smack talk”. And, this has led to some hilarious memories resurfacing for Clippers star Paul George, who recalled what it was like in the lockerrom when another big trash-talker, Lance Stephenson went at LeBron.
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The 2014 Eastern Conference Finals saw the Miami Heat take on the Indiana Pacers. The Heat led by their trio of King James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh finished in the second seed, right behind the Pacers. A team led by a young star in Paul George.
Miami dispatched of the Pacers in six games. And, in many ways, it was a one-sided show. But, it was an entertaining series nonetheless, with the highlight coming during Game 5. When “Born Read” Lance played mind games with Bron by blowing into his ear.
Paul George and the Pacers were confused by Lance Stephenson’s decision to guard LeBron James
Game 5 of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals is remembered for many things. But, perhaps the primary reason is due to its relevance to meme culture. And, we have Lance Stephenson to thank for that. Why?
Well, it was during this game that the legendary meme of Lance blowing into LeBron James’ ear was born. It was his way of trying to get into LeBron’s head. An antic that Memphis Grizzlies star Dillon Brooks tried. But, his tactic was more so with words than with actions.
And, it was with Dillon Brooks in mind, that Paul George was reminded of Lance Stephenson. The two were of course, teammates in 2014. PG13 recently shared the team’s reaction to this moment on his podcast, Podcast P with Paul George. He explains that most of them were confused, especially considering that he was the one who was supposed to guard Bron. Nevertheless, they backed Lance up, as they felt it helped them raise their intensity.
“The reason Lance was on Bron for those moments was cause I was in foul trouble. But, for the series, I’m guarding him. So, I was like, “Bro..what the f**k you doing?”. But, I thought it raised our intensity of like, “We’re not backing down to y’all!”. I thought we stood behind Lance after he did that. Opposed to like getting on him about it or breaking up about it. I thought we backed him up and it made for us to just raise the intensity.”
It certainly is an understandable reaction. Lance was one of the most straightforward and fearless players the NBA has seen. He now finds himself playing in Puerto Rico. But, before heading for the Leones De Ponce, Stephenson teamed up with The King.
Lance Stephenson teamed up with LeBron on the Lakers in 2018
They may have been enemies back in 2014. But, Lance Stephenson and LeBron James transformed their relationship four years later. The Lakers recruited Lance to play alongside The King in 2018. A move that many found hilarious, given their history together.
Granted, it was only for one season. But, it just goes to show that even enemies can become friends or frenemies. Whatever floats LeBron’s and Lance’s boat.
