Paul George feels like it’s his time to dethrone King James and the Cleveland Cavaliers and he is not shy about saying so. After numerous playoff battles with James, whether he was in Miami or Cleveland, the Pacers leader is a superstar in his own right, especially after the way he battled back from his gruesome leg injury. In an interview with The Vertical, “PG-13” describes the confidence he has now and he’s ready to take Lebron out!

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“Honestly, I look at us challenging them. I’ve been in the East and I’ve been No. 1 with LeBron being on a team,” George told The Vertical in a recent telephone interview, harkening back to when the Pacers finished with the best regular-season record in the East in 2013-14, the season before his gruesome Team USA leg injury. “Really, what I’m looking at is it coming down to me getting us past the conference finals. … I’m confident in myself. I’m confident in what I can do.”

There’s no doubt the Pacers are in prime position next season to really challenge the Cavs for the beasts of the east. Boston, Toronto and who knows, maybe even the Knicks will put some pressure on Cleveland but it definitely feels like its George and his running mates who can make it happen.

“I’ve always matched up with him like, ‘I know he can do this, I know he can do that,’ ” George told The Vertical about James. “Not in an awe fashion, but it’s more so, ‘I’m not supposed to win these games. This is supposed to be the best dude in the NBA. I’m trying to challenge him. I know what I’m up against.’ Now it’s, ‘I’m ready. I’m ready for you. I’m a veteran. I know you, you know me. Let’s meet here, let’s get this job done.’ I’m prepared. I’ve had time to figure this out. I’ve had time to lick my wounds. I’m ready.”

This season is one of the most anticipated in history with so many legends retiring and other big name players in new cities. Opening night is only a month away!