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EL SEGUNDO, California (AP) 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 with the Los Angeles Lakers Stephenson's feelings were confirmed – and he quickly accepted the invitation.
The Lakers officially announced on Tuesday the signatures of Stephenson, center JaVale McGee and second-round pick Svi Mykhailiuk
. Stephenson has accepted a $ 4.5 million one-year contract to join James, McGee and Rajon Rondo in the influx of veteran Lakers talent.
Stephenson was one of James's most famous antagonists during his 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 wanted to show him that he likes what I bring to the game, that's it." Amazing, I'm just happy to be part of a team that wants to win. "
Stephenson and James have fought fiercely in the Eastern Conference over the years, with Stephenson applying a strong and tactically creative four-player defense of the NBA Most Valuable Player. Stephenson created several memes during the East 2014 Finals between the Pacers and James 'Miami Heat by whisking in James' ear 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 it brings: playing with him, one of the best players in the game, I can not wait to get on with him and spend a good season this year."
Stephenson appeared in all 82 games for Indiana last season, averaging 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. The Lakers are his seventh NBA franchise entering his ninth season.
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