HoopsHype.com Rumors

Pacers guard Lance Stephenson said he is a more mature player than the one who gave the choke sign to LeBron James during Game 3 of last year’s playoff series. Stephenson apologized after that incident, and James said at the time: “Lance Stephenson? You want a quote about Lance Stephenson? I’m not even going to give him the time.” On Wednesday, Stephenson reflected on the incident: “I was trying to be involved in that game, yelling at guys at the free-throw line. I was just trying to get in his head. It was a mistake to be doing that.” Miami Herald

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Lance Stephenson 

Darnell Mayberry: Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant have been named to the All-NBA First Team. Twitter @DarnellMayberry

Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan 

Jeff Zillgitt: Paul George: "I have to understand you have to make LeBron shoot a jumper at that point." Twitter @JeffZillgitt

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Paul George, Roy Hibbert 

Ethan J. Skolnick: LeBron: "Once I got the ball, I was the only option. Especially w/ it being only 2-plus seconds." Twitter @EthanJSkolnick

Miami Heat, LeBron James 

Ethan J. Skolnick: LeBron: "I was on attack when Hibbert was in the game, and I was on attack when Hibbert wasn't in the game." Twitter @EthanJSkolnick

Miami Heat, LeBron James 

Mike Wells: Hibbert on winning basket: "LeBron’s layup was one I think I could have gotten cause he served it up." Twitter @MikeWellsNBA

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Roy Hibbert 

Nike generated $300 million in U.S. retail sales in 2012 for James’ signature shoe, LeBron X, according to research firm SportsOneSource. Nike’s haul represents a 50% increase from sales of James’ kicks in 2011. “The first thing is the aesthetics. The shoes look great and his star stature continues to rise,” says SportsOneSource analyst Matt Powell. “The media attention on him helps him sell more footwear.” Forbes.com

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Sneakers 

Tim Reynolds: LeBron says he's happy Coach K will be back for 2016 Olympics, says he'd love to join him if health allows. Twitter @ByTimReynolds

Miami Heat, LeBron James, USA Basketball, Olympics 

LeBron James, who is a huge Coach K fan, had told me yesterday he wanted Coach K do what made him happy. “Coach K is a great coach,’’ LeBron said Tuesday about the likelihood Coach K would return for a third Olympics. “And USA would love to have him back. But it’s up to him… I want Coach K to be happy. Whatever he wants to do. Absolutely.’ Sulia

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Coaching, USA Basketball, Mike Krzyzewski 

Anthony's business manager Robert "Bay" Frazier confirmed with ESPNNewYork.com that he's discussing potential business together with LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul. What those collaborations could be are unknown at this time. Something to keep in mind: Melo and LeBron both have early termination options going into the 2014-15 season. ESPN.com

Miami Heat, New York Knicks, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Agents, Rich Paul 

LeBron James saw that block Roy Hibbert applied on Carmelo Anthony's dunk attempt. He was impressed, mostly because it represented such a huge momentum shift. But this is James we're talking about, the high-flying defier of human capabilities. He seemed offended that a reporter would even ask whether he'd hesitate to drive against Hibbert. "Me?" James said incredulously. "Me?" Reassured the question was about him, James dismissed the notion. "Nah." New York Daily News

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Roy Hibbert 

Jill Martin, the MSG Network Knicks’ sideline reporter, is back in Miami. Again, she’s at the beach, wearing a bikini and a Knicks hat. The only difference this time is that the Knicks season is done and she can now hang out with Juwan Howard. Howard is relaxing after having scored 12 points in 17 minutes in the Heat’s final regular season game. He has yet to make an appearance in the playoffs. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James also enjoyed some time at the beach this weekend. The Big Lead

Miami Heat, New York Knicks, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Juwan Howard 

Chris Tomasson: LeBron James: “I only know information when I talk to (the media). I don’t watch television. I don’t read too much stuff.’’ Twitter @christomasson

Miami Heat, LeBron James 

Tom Haberstroh: Hmm... Heat assistant coach David Fizdale working with LeBron and Chalmers on floaters in the lane today at practice. Twitter @tomhaberstroh

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Mario Chalmers, David Fizdale 

Alonzo Mourning: Scottie Pippen Said LeBron Would Kick Michael Jordan’s Ass. This is where we are in sports: Former athlete gets asked a question about LeBron vs. Jordan, because LeBron is the NBA right now. Former athlete (in this case, Alonzo Mourning) answers to the laughter of everyone. Was he joking? Maybe. Was he serious? Maybe. Could Scottie Pippen have actually said this? Who knows. And who cares? (Obligatory plug of Pippen’s wife, Larsa.) The Big Lead

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Alonzo Mourning 

Frank Vogel said Monday that he has great respect for LeBron James and the Miami Heat, but as for James' perception that the Indiana Pacers coach considers Miami "just another team," he said the Heat superstar is mistaken. "Sorry, sports world, the words 'just another team' never came out of my mouth. Great respect for LBJ and the champs. Looking forward to [a] great series," Vogel said Monday, according to NBA.com. ESPN.com

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Frank Vogel 

Ira Winderman: LeBron on the Pacers, "We have respect for them. I said that yesterday, as well." Twitter @IraHeatBeat

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James 

Chris Tomasson: LeBron James on Paul George: "He’s one of the up-and-coming new superstars that we have in our league. He’s a kid who loves to get better." Twitter @christomasson

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Paul George 

Here's full transcript of LeBron talking about how #Heat aren't just another team even if Vogel didn't say that: Frank Vogel said after last night's game, "They're the next team that's in our way and that's how we're approaching it.'' Reporter to LeBron: “Vogel kept saying last night that you guys are just another team.’’ LeBron: “We’re not just another team. I don’t understand what he’s saying. But we’re not just another team. It’s not true.’’ Sulia

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Frank Vogel 

"We're very confident," James said. "We'll be ready for them. We don't need bulletin board material. We've heard everything, we've seen everything. But I would say we're not just another team, though." ESPN.com

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Frank Vogel