During Game 5 of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers’ Lance Stephenson created a lasting moment in NBA history by blowing into the ear of Miami Heat star LeBron James. Now, over a decade later, Stephenson has openly discussed what happened during that event, offering new insight into the infamous LeBron James ear-blowing incident.
Lance Stephenson Explains His Mindset During the Game
Stephenson has faced questions about the incident several times over the years, and while he previously described it as an impulsive move in the heat of competition, his recent comments provide deeper context. He admitted there was no advance plan behind the action, stating he was simply reacting in the moment as the intensity of the playoffs built around him. In his earlier words, he reflected on what drove him, noting that competing at such a high level sometimes calls for unconventional tactics. The Pacers’ efforts worked that night, limiting LeBron James to just 7 points, which helped Indiana claim the win in that crucial game.
The Unexpected Attention and Public Reaction
When Stephenson blew into James’ ear, he didn’t expect the odd gesture to be broadcast to millions watching around the world. In a 2021 interview, Stephenson described his surprise:
“I didn’t expect it to be shown. I didn’t think it was going to be captured. They caught that right in the act of it. That was crazy,”
—Lance Stephenson, NBA Player
His attempt to rattle James became an instant viral sensation, cementing its place in league folklore.
Facing LeBron James: Seeking an Edge Against a Superstar
Stephenson noted that many players found themselves intimidated by LeBron James, often holding back from challenging the NBA icon as fully as they might. He viewed facing James as a personal challenge and wanted to see how the superstar would respond to pressure. As he detailed:
“So, I always took it as a test, ‘Let me see what he can really do. Is he really that good?’ You know how sometimes you see somebody and you’re like, ‘Man, if I put pressure on him, what is he going to do? If I push him, what is he going to do?’”
—Lance Stephenson, NBA Player
This mentality led Stephenson to test the limits and explore whether James would ever reveal vulnerability under such scrutiny. He recognized through his experience that players of James’ caliber rarely falter when faced with unconventional gamesmanship.
“And guys like that with that type of talent never bow down. It was a learning experience, playing and competing against the best,”
—Lance Stephenson, NBA Player
Analyzing Stephenson’s Tactic and Its Short-Lived Effect
Looking back, Stephenson described James as a formidable opponent, standing about 6’9” or 6’10”, with impressive strength and athleticism. To help his team, he decided to try various tactics to throw James off his rhythm and give the Pacers an edge. He openly shared the logic behind his strategy:
“LeBron is like 6’9″ – 6’10”, strong, athletic, and I was just trying a lot of things to get him like, not focused, so [we] can win the game. It worked because we won the game! But I was just trying to frustrate him, trying to get that win. I do whatever it takes to win,”
—Lance Stephenson, NBA Player
The Incident’s Legacy and Stephenson’s Reflections
Years later, Stephenson expressed amusement at how the event is still remembered and considered part of NBA history. He imagined how he might have reacted if another player had done the same thing to him:
“It’s crazy because if someone did that to me, I would be like, ‘Yo, what’s [going on] with that guy, man?'”
—Lance Stephenson, NBA Player
Eventually, Stephenson and James would even become teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers, but according to Stephenson, the incident was never addressed between them:
“No one ever even talked about it. Like, I was waiting for somebody to bring it up, but we just stuck to winning games and focused on getting to know each other,”
—Lance Stephenson, NBA Player
Dominance and Respect in the NBA Rivalry
Even though Stephenson’s antics disrupted LeBron James for one night, the larger rivalry saw James excel over time. In playoff matchups, LeBron James compiled a 13-7 record against Stephenson’s teams, averaging 27.4 points, 7.8 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game during those contests, strengthening his status as one of the NBA’s most dominant athletes.
A Defining Moment That Still Resonates
The LeBron James ear-blowing incident remains a unique chapter in NBA culture. It highlights the unusual lengths players might go to in high-stakes situations and continues to capture the curiosity of fans. While it briefly threw off one of basketball’s greatest stars, the legacy of the moment lives on, underscoring the fierce competitiveness and unpredictable drama present in the league’s most memorable playoff games.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does LeBron James sleep 12 hours?
A. LeBron sleeps about 12 hours each day. At night, he gets 8 to 9 hours of rest, and then takes a nap for about three hours in the afternoon.
When asked about his routine, LeBron explained that he has taken naps almost every day during his 13-year career. He especially makes sure to nap on days when he has a game.
Q. When did LeBron James reach 10,000?
A. LeBron James was chosen as the number one pick in the 2003 NBA draft. In his first NBA game on October 29, 2003, he scored 25 points at just 18 years old. He later became the youngest player to reach 10,000 career points on February 27, 2008. LeBron also became the youngest to score 20,000 points on January 16, 2013, and then 30,000 points in January.