Pacers apologize for Lance Stephenson throwing up 'choke' gesture at LeBron James

When Lance Stephenson flashed the "choke" sign at LeBron James in the middle of the Pacers' Game 3 beatdown of Miami, it was pretty funny. It was also unbelieveable, as Stephenson isn't exactly Reggie Miller. Or Austin Croshere. It was a nobody, someone with tons of hype coming out of high school who never lived up to his potential, mocking the MVP.

And while the Pacers aren't backing down from their attitude in taking it right to the Heat's doorstep, they are trying to get away from that unfortunate, albeit hilariously absurd, moment. From USA Today:

"I was wrong and disrespectful to my teammates, the Miami Heat and their organization," Stephenson told NBA.com's Steve Aschburner. "I'm sorry that I did that. It was very disrespectful."

Said Vogel: "I want enthusiasm on the bench. I don't want gestures that go over the top."

As far as LeBron goes, he's not exactly sweating or angry over the youngster's impetuousness.

LeBron says he hadn't heard about choke sign: "you guys r going to ask me about Lance Stephenson? I'm not even going to give him the time."

— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 19, 2012

LeBron still laughing about it as he walks away: "Lance Stephenson? Really? Come on."

— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 19, 2012

So no, there is no rivalry between LeBron James and Lance Stephenson. But if the Pacers win Game 4 on Sunday, he's going to have way bigger problems than "Born Ready."