As Miami Heat fans and players get pumped up for their historic fourth straight NBA Finals, on the way to a 3peat, the question on everybody's mind is: what's up with Lance Stephenson? Lebron James, who has been avoiding drama off the court by not responding to cheating rumors, has had a similar struggle rising above the silly mind games of Indiana's Stephenson. Now that the Pacers' season is over, fans are wondering whether Larry Bird will re-sign the young star.
Despite his talent and his aggressive, hard-working style Stephenson has cultivated a reputation for distracting antics on the court and through the press. Pacers President Larry Bird has stated that he wants free agent Stephenson to stay, but that the silliness is not welcome (via ESPN):
"'I was very disappointed that in Game 5, Paul George put on a spectacular display, hit every big shot and after the game, everyone was talking about all the nonsense,' Bird said. 'That's not what we're about, and it's not professional.'
"And after Stephenson was ejected from a regular-season game against Miami, Pacers players made it clear he had to show more self-discipline."
Another question is whether his teammates want him back. They have been openly critical of his approach to LeBron as well, but Paul George went on record saying he wants Lance back (via USA Today):
"'I don't know,' George said after a long pause. 'That's for Larry, Kevin, for them to decide. It would be great. We came into this league together. It would be great for us to continue our journey together.
"'But he's played a huge (role) this whole season and in this postseason. So it's definitely put pressure on us to make decisions going forward with Lance.'"
For his own part, Stephenson has said he wants to stay, and has apologized for his behavior in the playoff series versus the Heat, expressing respect for LeBron and that he is trying to grow and learn from his mistakes (via USA Today):
"I have much respect for LeBron and the heat. This was a great series they deserve it all love to Heat."
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