Lakers formally land Stephenson
Lance Stephenson has long thought his rivalry with LeBron James was rooted in mutual respect.
When James called Stephenson last week to pitch him on joining the Lakers, Stephenson’s feelings were confirmed — and he quickly accepted the invitation.
The Lakers formally announced the signings of Stephenson, former Warriors center JaVale McGee and second-round draft pick Svi Mykhailiuk on Tuesday.
Coming off a productive season in his latest stint with the Pacers, Stephenson agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal to join James, McGee and Rajon Rondo.
Stephenson has been one of James’ most famed antagonists during their careers, and even Stephenson is surprised they’ve become teammates. But it took only a phone call from James to persuade Stephenson to join the Lakers.
“I was actually surprised he made the move to L.A.,” Stephenson said. “I guess he needed a new look, and I just feel like him reaching out and showing he likes what I bring to the game, it’s amazing. I’m just happy to be on a team that wants to win.”
Stephenson and James competed fiercely in the Eastern Conference over the years, with Stephenson applying tough defense and creative tactics to the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
Stephenson created multiple memes during the 2014 East finals between the Pacers and James’ Miami Heat by blowing in James’ ear and making a famously exaggerated flop. Hornets next for Warriors: The Warriors play Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Las Vegas summer league. Rule could change: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he thinks the league is ready to scrap the rule requiring players to be out of high school for a year before becoming eligible to enter the draft. Silver made that announcement after the league’s Board of Governors meeting, but the change still needs to be bargained with the players’ association. Roberts back: Michele Roberts has been re-elected executive director of the National Basketball Players Association.