LeBron James Says War of Words Has Already Begun Between Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers

The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers will meet in the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, beginning on Wednesday, but the war of words has already started between the two teams, from LeBron James' point of view.

James, the greatest player in the NBA, a four-time Most Valuable Player award winner, and therefore, the greatest player on earth took exception Sunday to what Pacers coach Frank Vogel didn't really say about their matchup in the conference finals, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Vogel was asked about facing the Heat after the Pacers eliminated the New York Knicks in six games on Saturday.

"It's exciting, but this is not about getting back at Miami," Vogel said as his two daughters sat on his lap. "If you're in the final four you're competing for a championship. And they're just the next team that's in our way. That's how we're approaching it."

James, usually a level-headed sort, took Vogel's words to mean he was calling Miami just another team.

"We're not just another team," James told Miami reporters on Sunday. "I don't understand what he's saying. But we're not just another team. That's not true. He said we're just another team in their way. We're a great team. If we're just another team, you really don't prepare for just another team. You have to prepare for us."

The Pacers have been waiting for this moment for a year, getting another chance to try to knock off the Heat in the playoffs.

The Pacers opened training camp talking about what happened in their playoff series against the Heat last season.

They were motivated and focused to send a message to them during the regular season, beating Miami two out of three times, as reported in the Indy Star.

Now it's a matter of doing it when it really counts.

 "We talked about last year, being up 2-1 and dropping the ball," Pacers power forward David West said. "We felt all year we were in the top two in the East. Things have been building toward this."

Now, the Pacers will get their opportunity to prove to the world how good they are against the defending NBA champion Heat.