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Lance Stephenson has been a big part of the success of the Indiana Pacers in the 2017-18 NBA season. It was a year when the Pacers surprised the entire NBA after exchanging star player Paul George during the off season. Unfortunately for the Pacers fans, Stephenson chose to leave the Pacers this season to play alongside LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers.
During the introductory press conference for Tyreke Evans and Doug McDermott, Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard made some comments. Stephenson that many consider controversial.
According to a report shared by Bleacher Report Pritchard made honest comments to the media on Friday.
"Sometimes he was the best player on our team, and sometimes he was the best player on the other team, we love Lance and we wish him the best."
Pritchard also shared with Media that the Pacers have made a better offer of free agency to Stephenson than the one he eventually signed with the Lakers. He recognized that James calling Stephenson and asking him to come to L.A. was an understandable reason for Stephenson to drop the Pacers.
Following Pritchard's viral comments, Stephenson went to his Instagram account to answer them. He has since deleted his post, but not before many screenshots are drawn.
Lance responds to comments made by Pacers President Kevin Pritchard: pic.twitter.com/j9I1Z3H28Q
– Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) July 6, 2018
Saying that Stephenson seemed annoyed by the comments would be an understatement. He felt visibly disrespectful and hurt that Pritchard was saying something like what he did.
Indiana chose to deny Stephenson 's $ 4.5 million gambler option at the beginning of the off – season. At the time, Pritchard said the decision was hard to make for the team, but that the franchise wanted as much ceiling space as possible. Signing Evans and McDermott was considered a major upgrade for the Pacers.
Last season with the Pacers, Stephenson averaged 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. He shot 42.7% on the field and reversed 28.9% of his attempts in three points.
No other comment has been made by Pritchard since the one he made during the press conference. Many fans in Indiana are upset by Pritchard for comments, although others are in agreement with them.
Paul George also took on his Instagram account to share his dissatisfaction with his former team for refusing Stephenson's option. He has repeatedly ripped off the Pacers office for decisions made during his tenure with the team.
All that being said, Stephenson's first game against the Pacers in 2018-19 will be fun to watch. After seeing these comments, he will no doubt have a chip on the shoulder to prove that Pritchard is wrong.
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