Lance Stephenson has emerged as one of the most colorful characters in the Indiana Pacers. His intensity, passion and hatred for the Miami Heat has made him a fan-favorite-on any court! Will he actually do the unthinkable and join their bitterest opponents?

Stephenson, despite hounding LeBron James with the seething hatred of a Doberman, actually has a lot of respect for the game's current best player. He always relished the moment when the King acknowledged his effort in last year's Eastern Conference Finals.

'Born Ready' characteristically trash-talked against LeBron James in their series and the last year's MVP responded with a dominating performance. Stephenson then apologized for his grandstanding. From USA Today: "I think this stuff bothered us a little bit. "It's part of the game. I think I said some things that shouldn't have been said. Also Paul (George). We just gotta play basketball and stop worrying about all the other stuff."

His final words on that: "I can take the heat."

Lance will become a free agent this season, and his passion and intensity will definitely be something most teams will crave for. The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and virtually any team with cap space would definitely consider him. Including the team with the most possible cap space if the player options are utilized-none other than the Miami Heat.

The Indiana Pacers, of course, would definitely make it a priority to keep him. But they are being realistic that Lance will get offers.

Yet, despite all his aforementioned assets, the Pacers are apparently not in a 'keep him at all costs' state of mind. CBS Sports mentions: "Despite Stephenson's tantalizing talents, sources said there are many in the organization who don't think it's a good decision to give him a rich, long-term contract, given the way he has acted during the season."

The trash talking is not just the first of his antics. He has also flopped and pretended to sleep on the court and even tried to listen to Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's huddle.

There are talks that the Miami Big Three might converge again and take a collective pay cut to facilitate adding another star-just to keep the championship's rolling. Could Lance Stephenson make them the Four Horsemen?

Stranger things have happened in the NBA.