As the Indiana Pacers get ready for game one of their opening round playoff series with the Cleveland Cavaliers they are going to need everyone to play at their best if they want to pull off the series upset.

That includes Lance Stephenson who looked to be on his way out of the league last year, but has really been a revelation this year for the Pacers.

Although his stats don't always jump out you, he is a guy who gives it his all, 100 percent of the time and is a really good defender. He also knows how to get into his opponents' heads and that is key for knocking them off of their game.

For Stephenson it's easy to get under peoples skin because he doesn't keep any friends on the basketball court, so he doesn't have to worry about upsetting anyone.

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Cavaliers News
Tyrese Proctor, Saliou Niang beside each other, Cleveland Cavaliers logo and explosions in the background
Cleveland Cavaliers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickEnzo Flojo ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
NBA rumors: Kevin O’Connor suggests Cavs try LeBron James trade with LakersJaren Kawada ·
LeBron James with the logos of every NBA team in the background.
Ranking 5 best LeBron James trade destinations after Rich Paul’s bombshell Lakers quotesBailey Bassett ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Pacers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
NBA rumors: Ty Jerome garnering interest from Warriors, according to Zach LoweZachary Weinberger ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) dribbles beside Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the first quarter during game two of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
NBA rumors: Ty Jerome suitors lining up amid expected Cavs exitTroy Finnegan ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) celebrates his three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena.
Sam Merrill planning to sign $38 million contract with CavsJulian Ojeda ·

“I don’t have friends on the court anyway. Not even the players I played with before I’m not friends,” Stephenson told J Michael of the Indy Star.. “I’m just so competitive. I try to not get that relationship with being friends mixed up with it on the court. … Everybody I play against is my enemy.”

It has worked out well for him and that type of play is what has kept him in the league. One of the guys he no doubt will be trying to get under their skin is LeBron James.

Everyone remembers when Stephenson blew into James ear when LeBron was on the Heat. At times Stephenson has been able to get in his head and they need that in his series.

If LeBron is off his game the Cavaliers are going to have a hard time winning, and that would be a huge advantage for the Pacers.