The Indiana Pacers may be preparing for life after Paul George, but not everyone is. George stated his intentions to pack his bags and move to Los Angeles with the Lakers as soon as his current contract ends, but one player is against it.

Pacers guard Lance Stephenson may have just found his way back home to The Hoosier State, but it's certainly familiar territory for him. He's not ready to let George go and has made it known publicly on more than one occasion.

This time around his zeal to keep his teammate on the Pacers led to an exchange with Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas on Instagram.

lance stephenson
Instagram/stephensonlance
Article Continues Below
More Indiana Pacers News
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Stephen A. Smith still won’t call Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton a superstarQuinn Allen ·
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Obi Toppin sends confident message after miracle Game 1 comebackDavid Yapkowitz ·
May 31, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Reggie Miller is seen after game six of the eastern conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Watch Reggie Miller’s ecstatic reaction to Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winnerZachary Draves ·
Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) reaches for the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Pacers-Thunder Game 1 hits record low in views for FinalsZachary Draves ·
Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center
Thunder’s Jalen Williams reveals biggest issue in 4th quarter meltdown vs PacersJosue Pavon ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) makes the game winning shot over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the fourth quarter during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
You won’t believe the last time the Thunder lost to East team at homeNathan Yasis ·

The Celtics have been rumored to be in the hunt for George's services regardless of his promise to bolt at the first opportunity, and Thomas has been on social media carefully working his recruiting game.

Stephenson, being the resident prodigal son, has plenty of advice to offer to his squad mate, but regardless of past battles they've had together his attempts may not be enough.

The Instagram exchange ended on a friendly note between the two, but don't be surprised to see them coming at each other's heads when they match up next season.