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by Greg Beacham | AP July 10 at 16:38
EL SEGUNDO, California – Lance Stephenson has always felt that his famous rivalry with LeBron James was rooted in mutual respect.
When James called Stephenson last week to convince him to team up Stephenson's feelings were confirmed – and he quickly accepted the invitation.
The Lakers officially announced the signing of Stephenson, center JaVale McGee and second-round pick Svi Mykhailiuk on Tuesday.
Stephenson accepted a $ 4.5 million one-year contract to join James, McGee and Rajon Rondo in the influx of veteran Lakers talent.
Stephenson is part of James's most famous antagonists during their career, and even Stephenson is surprised that they have become teammates. But it only took a phone call from LeBron to persuade Stephenson to join the Lakers.
"I was really surprised that he moved to Los Angeles," Stephenson said. "I guess he needed a new look, and I just feel that he's reaching out and showing that he likes what I bring." at play, it's amazing.I'm just happy to be part of a team that wants to win. "
Stephenson and James fought hard in the Eastern Conference over years, Stephenson applying tactical defense and creative tactics to the NBA's Most Valuable Player Stephenson created several memes at the East 2014 finals between the James Pacers and James' Heat by blowing in the ear of James and making an exaggerated famous flop.
"It's really funny that I'm in the same team as him" Stephenson said. "I'm very excited to see what this brings. Just playing with him, one of the best players in the game, I can not wait to get on with him and spend a fun season this year.
Stephenson appeared in all 82 games of Indiana last season, averaging 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 badists per game.The Lakers are his seventh NBA franchise entering his ninth season.
Stephenson is eager to run with the Lakers and their young core, including Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.
"It'll be amazing," Stephenson said. "Especially playing with the talent with which I play, tempo, play without thinking too much and play in the flow of the game and have fun at the same time, a team running and guns, that 's how i' m like. love to play. "
McGee joins the Golden State Warriors Lakers, where he won his second NBA championship ring, and the 7-foot veteran could be the starting point for the Lakers, who are only young. imposing men Moe Wagner and Ivica Zubac under contract after letting Brook Lopez leave.
"JaVale changes the geometry of the game", general manager Rob Pelinka said. "His unique combination of incredible length and agility of the feet will allow us to play quickly at both ends. His ability to protect the rim and create angles with the rims will present a number of benefits in the system of coach (Luke) Walton.
The Lakers chose Mykhailiuk with the 47th pick in the repechage last month. The Ukrainian shooter averaged 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 badists per game for Kansas last season, while setting the Jayhawks' season record with 115 points of 3.
Mykhailiuk was impressive early Las Vegas Summer League The Lakers decided that they did not have to wait to sign it later in the offseason.
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