When the Los Angeles Lakers secured the signing of LeBron James in free agency, it came as a major shock that they followed that up by bringing in his long-time rival Lance Stephenson. The duo have had many battles against each other over the years and they've never been friendly. Stephenson became LeBron's arch nemesis with his on-court antics and deliberate attempts to get under his skin at every opportunity. Now, the two former foes will be teammates in Los Angeles and it's fair to say that nobody saw this coming. 

Unexpected

The former Indiana Pacers man was officially unveiled as a Laker on Tuesday, penning a one-year, $4.9 million contract. 

In a conference call with reporters, he said he finds it "actually funny" to now be playing alongside James. 

"It was actually funny that I am actually on the same team," Stephenson said, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.

"I am very excited to see what that brings and just playing with him, one of the best players to play the game, is going to be amazing. I can't wait to get on board."

Mostly during his time with the Pacers, the 27-year-old battled against LBJ in the Eastern Conference for several years and prided himself on guarding the league's best player. 

It certainly appeared that the King had a dislike for the shooting guard and his behaviour on the court but he surprisingly played a huge role in bringing him to LA. 

Stephenson revealed that James' camp reached out to his agent to discuss the possibility of teaming up with the purple and gold. 

"I was actually surprised he made the move to L.A.," Stephenson said of James leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign with the Lakers.

"I guess he needed a new look. I feel like just him reaching out and showing that he liked what I bring to the game is amazing.

"I just can't wait to be on the floor with him, actually get on the court with him."

Leaving things in the past

The fact that the pair will be teammates is already shocking but this revelation that LeBron contacted Stephenson to make it happen is more of an eye-opener. 

But it shows that he respects what the veteran brings to the court and values those qualities enough to have him on the same side. 

After having his first conversation with head coach Luke Walton, Stephenson explained exactly what will be required of him next season. 

"I actually talked to [head coach] Luke [Walton] and he basically told me he wanted me to be myself, bring that defensive edge, be a leader on and off the court for the young guys and just bring that focus of winning and coming to compete every night," Stephenson said.

"But the one that stands out the most is letting me play and let me be myself, and when you got a coach telling you that stuff, it is just amazing."

If the Lakers get the engaged and competitive version of the swingman, he could well have a big impact on the team and be a perfect teammate for James. 

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