Paul George on Lance Stephenson calling out LeBron James: 'He’s barking up the wrong tree'

LeBron James had a game-high six turnovers in the Heat's win on Saturday. (Ron Hoskins/Getty Images)

Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George said at shootaround on Monday that teammate Lance Stephenson is "barking up the wrong tree" when he makes comments to the media about LeBron James' weaknesses.

George's Pacers are currently down 2-1 to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals heading into Game 4 Monday night in Miami. On Sunday, Stephenson told the Associated Pressthat he thinks James' on-court trash talking is a sign of weakness for the four-time MVP.

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George perhaps knows better than to give James another reason to dominate on the court. Speaking to Candace Buckner of IndyStar.com on Monday, George said James is the kind of player who "feeds off that kind of energy."

"He’s doing it to the wrong guy. He’s barking up the wrong tree. LeBron is the same way, he feeds off that kind of energy."

James is averaging 24.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and six assists against Indiana this season. In the 99-87 Heat win in Game 3 on Saturday, he finished with 26 points, seven assists and five rebounds but also had a game-high six turnovers. Stephenson had also said before the series that he wants to aggravate Dwyane Wade's chronic knee issues, but Wade so far is shooting 62 percent.

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