Lance Stephenson As Most Improved Player? Indiana Pacers X-Factor Might Leave The Team After Title Run!

Lance Stephenson is the toast of the NBA. He is furiously following Paul George's footsteps. His aggressive, fearless play may be the X-factor for the Indiana Pacers to beat the Miami Heat.

The Eastern Conference is basically down to two teams. Even with the resurgence of the Big Apple teams (New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets), it is hard to imagine any one of them beating Indiana or Miami over a seven-game series.

Lance Stephenson earned Lebron James' respect in their Eastern Conference Finals last year. He recounts with Indystar: "He said I played hard this season and he's happy with my progress," Stephenson said told The Star. "He said I helped changed the Pacers organization, made us stronger and that he respects my game."

Now, he no longer needs validation from King James or any other player. He is already leading the prospects for Most Improved Player, an award won by his teammate Paul George last season.

He boasts a stat line of 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game (ESPN) and he also topped ESPN forecast panel's poll for Most Improved Player with 20 first place votes, way better than Anthony Davis 9 first place votes.

That would be great for Indiana, however, Lance will become a free agent, and if he wins the award and book an All-Star Appearance, his price tag might be too much for the Pacers.

Stephenson spoke to USA Today: "I wouldn't want to leave a good team like this. I definitely would love to come back. I just love the city. I love the team. I love who I play with and I feel like we're a young group and I think we should stick together. The future holds itself and I think Larry [Bird] and the people upstairs will do anything to keep me here."

The speculation that the Pacers are not trading Danny Granger as an insurance policy in case Stephenson leaves is a buzz among NBA execs. The Pacers have the "Bird" rights advantage named after Pacers President Larry Bird. With it, Stephenson can get a five-year offer from Indiana while other teams can only offer four years.