Lance Stephenson

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Lance Stephenson

| image = Lance Stephenson 2018.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Stephenson with the Indiana Pacers in 2018

| position = Shooting guard / small forward

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 5

| weight_lb = 210

| league =

| team = Free agent

| number =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|09|05}}

| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

| highschool = Abraham Lincoln (Brooklyn, New York)

| college = Cincinnati (2009–2010)

| draft_year = 2010

| draft_round = 2

| draft_pick = 40

| draft_team = Indiana Pacers

| career_start = 2010

| career_end =

| years1 = {{nbay|2010|start}}–{{nbay|2013|end}}

| team1 = Indiana Pacers

| years2 = {{nbay|2014|full=y}}

| team2 = Charlotte Hornets

| years3 = {{nbay|2015|full=y}}

| team3 = Los Angeles Clippers

| years4 = {{nbay|2015|end}}

| team4 = Memphis Grizzlies

| years5 = {{nbay|2016|start}}

| team5 = New Orleans Pelicans

| years6 = {{nbay|2016|end}}

| team6 = Minnesota Timberwolves

| years7 = {{nbay|2016|end}}–{{nbay|2017|end}}

| team7 = Indiana Pacers

| years8 = {{nbay|2018|full=y}}

| team8 = Los Angeles Lakers

| years9 = 2019–2020

| team9 = Liaoning Flying Leopards

| years10 = 2021

| team10 = Grand Rapids Gold

| years11 = {{nbay|2021|full=y}}

| team11 = Atlanta Hawks

| years12 = {{nbay|2021|end}}

| team12 = Indiana Pacers

| years13 = 2023

| team13 = Leones de Ponce

| years14 = 2023–2024

| team14 = Iowa Wolves

| highlights =

Terrific 12 champion (2019)
Terrific 12 MVP (2019)
Big East Rookie of the Year (2010)
Big East All-Rookie Team (2010)
McDonald's All-American (2009)
First-team Parade All-American (2009)
Second-team Parade All-American (2008)
Mr. New York Basketball (2009)

}}

Lance Stephenson Jr. (born September 5, 1990) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League. He attended Lincoln High School in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn,{{cite web|first=Tully|last=Corcoran|title=KU attracts Brooklyn star|url=http://cjonline.com/stories/102607/haw_212251538.shtml#.VskIzZMrKRs|website=CJOnline.com|date=October 26, 2007|access-date=March 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317142828/http://www.cjonline.com/stories/102607/haw_212251538.shtml#.VskIzZMrKRs|archive-date=March 17, 2008|url-status=dead}} where he was named Mr. New York Basketball after his senior year and appeared in the 2009 McDonald's All-American Game. He later played college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was selected in the second round of the 2010 NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers. He is widely known for his wily and unique playstyle, which includes flashy passing, quick drives to the rim, and humorous celebrations.

High school career

Stephenson first caught the attention of scouts at age 12, when Clark Francis, a talent evaluator, saw him play at Rumble in the Bronx AAU tournament. Before his first year of high school, he attended the Adidas ABCD Camp, where he challenged O. J. Mayo to a one-on-one game.{{cite web|first=Kevin |last=Armstrong |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/03/27/lance.stephenson/index.html |work=CNN.com |title=What's next for Lance Stephenson? The world will find out soon |date=March 30, 2009 |access-date=March 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306101248/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/03/27/lance.stephenson/index.html |archive-date=March 6, 2013 }}

In the summer of 2005, Stephenson enrolled at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, but he only attended the school for three days. The school lost in the championship game. The following week, Stephenson did not return to classes at Bishop Loughlin, and was attending Abraham Lincoln High School near his home in Coney Island. National Basketball Association players Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair, and future Seton Hall University star Isaiah Whitehead had also attended and played basketball at Lincoln High. Head coach Dwayne Morton said, "[Stephenson] always talked about outdoing Sebastian, outdoing Stephon," and called him "The best I've ever had at Lincoln."{{cite news|first=Ian|last=Begley|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/03/21/2009-03-21_lance_stephenson_leads_lincoln_to_unprec.html|title=Lance Stephenson leads Lincoln to unprecedented fourth-straight crown|date=March 22, 2009|newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=March 22, 2009}} Stephenson went on to lead the Railsplitters to the city title that year.

Lincoln High repeated as champions his sophomore and junior years, while Stephenson won back-to-back Player of the Year honors from the New York Daily News. As a sophomore, he was the youngest player featured in the movie Gunnin' for That No. 1 Spot, which followed eight high school basketball prospects.{{cite web|url=http://www.gunninmovie.com/players/lance_stephenson.php |title=Gunnin' for that #1 Spot |publisher=Oscilloscope Laboratories |date=October 21, 2008 |access-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512230133/http://www.gunninmovie.com/players/lance_stephenson.php |archive-date=May 12, 2015 }} In 2007 as a high school junior he was named to the annual USA Today's All-USA boys basketball team, the only non-senior to be given that honor.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketball/2008-all-usa-boys.htm|title=All-USA boys hoops team: Garden State blooms|newspaper=USAToday.com|date=May 2, 2008|access-date=October 12, 2012}}

In July 2008, Stephenson tried out for the United States national team's under-18 team, but was cut because of chemistry reasons.

On February 15, 2009, Stephenson passed fellow Lincoln High School alumnus Telfair's previous record of 2,785 points in the Brooklyn borough title game to become the all-time leading scorer for high school basketball in New York State.{{cite news|first=Mitch|last=Abramson|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/02/15/2009-02-15_lance_stephenson_sets_scoring_record_as_.html|title=Lance Stephenson sets scoring record as Lincoln wins Brooklyn title|date=February 15, 2009|newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=March 13, 2009}} In March 2009, Stephenson led Lincoln High to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) class AA championship. Stephenson scored a game-high 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the 78–56 final win against John F. Kennedy, and helped Lincoln become the first school in city history to win four straight titles.

Stephenson's high school career ended in the New York State semifinal, where Rice High School beat Lincoln 77–50, and Stephenson was held to 12 points by Rice's Durand Scott, who also beat out Stephenson for the Daily News' New York City player of the year honor.{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high-school/best-big-apple-news-hands-high-school-honors-article-1.411143|title=The best of the Big Apple: News hands out more high school honors|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=May 12, 2009}} He ended his career with 2,946 points.

In April 2009, Stephenson played in the McDonald's All-American Game, finishing with 12 points, six assists and three steals.{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Lawlor|url=https://www.espn.com/highschool/rise/basketball/boys/news/story?id=4035376|title=Favors stars in high-flying game|date=April 2, 2009|work=ESPN.com|access-date=April 2, 2009}}

=Recruiting=

In early 2009, Stephenson chose Kansas, St. John's and Maryland as his finalists,{{cite news|first1=Ian|last1=Begley|first2=Mark|last2=Lelinwalla|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/03/26/2009-03-26_sources_lincoln_star_lance_stephenson_le.html|title=Sources: Lincoln star Lance Stephenson leaning toward Kansas over St. John's|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=March 26, 2009|access-date=March 25, 2009}} but he canceled two announcements, and his father said that he had narrowed his choice to Maryland and Arizona.{{cite news|first1=Jim|last1=Halley|first2=Jeff|last2=Zillgit|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/recruiting/basketball/2009-05-19-wall-kentucky_N.htm|title=All-USA point guard John Wall signs with Kentucky|date=May 20, 2009|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=May 20, 2009}}

His official visit to Maryland in February came under scrutiny after he was given a tour of the Under Armour headquarters during his visit. This may have constituted a recruiting violation, as Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank is a Maryland graduate and on the university's board of trustees, and by NCAA rules, "representative of the institution's athletics interests" or a booster.{{cite news|first1=Eric|last1=Prisbell|first2=Steve|last2=Yanda|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/28/AR2009022802064.html|title=Under Armour's Ties With Maryland, Courtship of Top Recruit Stephenson Raise Questions|date=March 1, 2009|page=D01| newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 13, 2009}}

Stephenson initially told reporters he would announce which college he would be attending following the PSAL title game in March, but delayed the announcement until the McDonald's All-American Game on April 1, saying, "I already know where I'm going. This is not the right place [to make an announcement]."{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Martin|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/03192009/sports/college/lincoln_star_quiet_160268.htm|title=LINCOLN STAR QUIET|newspaper=New York Post|date=March 19, 2009|access-date=March 19, 2009}} On March 31, Stephenson, who had been expected to commit to Kansas during the All-American game's media event, instead announced that he would delay the announcement again.

In April 2009, another top recruit Xavier Henry, who had been released from his commitment to Memphis after coach John Calipari left to take the Kentucky job, announced he would play for Kansas. Because Henry's commitment put Kansas at the 13-scholarship limit under NCAA rules, it ruled out a scholarship offer for Stephenson.{{cite news|first=Steve|last=Yanda|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/terrapins-insider/2009/04/henry_chooses_kansas_stephenso.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003092131/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/terrapins-insider/2009/04/henry_chooses_kansas_stephenso.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 3, 2012|title=Henry Chooses Kansas; Stephenson Still Deciding|date=April 23, 2009|publisher=The Washington Post|work=Terrapin Insider|access-date=April 23, 2009}}

On May 20, the last day of the late signing period, Stephenson had not signed a letter of intent, but his father Lance Sr. told USA Today that he would not make a decision until his sexual assault case from October was resolved. The day before, a judge had adjourned his case until June 29.

On June 30, Andy Katz of ESPN.com reported that Stephenson signed a financial aid agreement with the University of Cincinnati, and he joined the Bearcats for the 2009–10 season.{{cite news|first=Andy|last=Katz|url=https://www.espn.com/highschool/rise/basketball/boys/news/story?id=4298304|title=Hoopster Stephenson headed to Cincy|date=July 1, 2009|work=ESPN.com|access-date=July 1, 2009}}

College career

File:Lance Stephenson Cincinnati.jpg in 2010]]

Questions remained over Stephenson's eligibility because of his involvement in his documentation, but on November 6, 2009, the NCAA cleared him to play in Cincinnati's season opener against Prairie View A&M University on November 15 without missing any games.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/bigeast/2009-11-06-cincinnati-stephenson_N.htm|title=NCAA clears Lance Stephenson to play at Cincinnati|date=November 6, 2009|access-date=November 6, 2009|agency=Associated Press}} In his only season at Cincinnati, Stephenson started 32 of 34 games and averaged 12.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He scored a season-best 23 points and made a season-high 11 field goals in 17 attempts against Georgetown on March 6, 2010. He was the leading scorer among Big East freshmen and was named Big East Rookie of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://gobearcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=392|title=Lance Stephenson – 2009–10 Men's Basketball Roster|work=GoBearcats.com|access-date=September 28, 2018}} On April 7, 2010, Stephenson announced that he would forgo his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2010 NBA draft.{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Lelinwalla|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/2010/04/07/2010-04-07_former_lincoln_star_to_declare_for_nba_draft.html|title=Former Lincoln star Lance Stephenson to declare for NBA draft after one season at Cincinnati|date=April 7, 2010|newspaper=NYDailyNews.com|location=New York|access-date=April 7, 2010}}

Professional career

=Indiana Pacers (2010–2014)=

==Early years (2010–2013)==

Stephenson was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 40th pick in the 2010 NBA draft.{{cite news|title=The Miracle of the 40th Pick of the 2010 NBA Draft|url=http://www.indycornrows.com/2014/1/19/5324210/the-miracle-of-the-40th-pick-of-the-2010-nba-draft|website=IndyCornRows.com|date=January 19, 2014|access-date=February 20, 2016}} He did not make his NBA debut until February 27, 2011, in a 110–108 loss to the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|title=Channing Frye's jumper at buzzer lifts Suns past Pacers in OT|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310227011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805132300/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310227011|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 5, 2016|work=ESPN.com|date=February 27, 2011|access-date=September 28, 2018}} In four minutes, he recorded two points, two assists and one rebound.{{cite web|title=Suns vs. Pacers – Box Score|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310227011|work=ESPN.com|date=February 27, 2011|access-date=September 28, 2018}} He had been in uniform five times before making his debut, but had not received an opportunity due to being the third point guard on the team. He played in 12 regular-season games before being demoted for violating team rules in early April. His ongoing immaturity issues were to blame.{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Wells|title=Final straw: Pacers demote Stephenson|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20110410/SPORTS04/104100364/1062/SPORTS04|work=IndyStar.com|date=April 10, 2011|access-date=April 10, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216211833/http://www.indystar.com/article/20110410/SPORTS04/104100364/1062/SPORTS04|archive-date=February 16, 2015}}

In the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, Stephenson was a fixture in the first half of the season playing in 32 of the first 35 games, but fell out of the picture in the second half of the season, making just 10 appearances in the final 31. In the regular-season finale on April 25, with the third seed clinched and Danny Granger and Leandro Barbosa given the night off to nurse injuries, Stephenson started for the first time and scored 22 points on 10 of 15 shooting, playing 35 minutes without a turnover. He had 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the fourth quarter, but the Pacers fell short against the Chicago Bulls, losing 92–87.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Tzucker|title=Player Review 2012: Lance Stephenson|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/player-review-2012-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=June 25, 2012|access-date=September 28, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Notebook: Bulls 92, Pacers 87|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20120425/CHIIND/gameinfo.html|work=NBA.com|date=April 25, 2012|access-date=May 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203053424/http://www.nba.com/games/20120425/CHIIND/gameinfo.html|archive-date=February 3, 2014|url-status=dead}}

With Danny Granger out injured for the majority of the 2012–13 season, Stephenson had a breakthrough year. He averaged 8.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per game during the regular season. He improved to 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds during the playoffs, although his shooting percentages dropped in all categories.{{cite web|first=Wheat|last=Hotchkiss|title=Player Review 2013: Lance Stephenson|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/player-review-2013-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=September 28, 2018}} On April 14, 2013, he scored a season-high 22 points against the New York Knicks.{{cite web|title=Lance Stephenson 2012-13 Game Log|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/stephla01/gamelog/2013/|work=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 28, 2018}} In game six of the Pacers' second-round playoff series against the Knicks, Stephenson scored a career-best 25 points.

==Breakout season (2013–2014)==

Stephenson had another breakout season in 2013–14, posting career highs across the board in his second year in a starting role.{{cite web|title=Indiana Pacers 2013-14 Player Review: Lance Stephenson|url=https://www.indycornrows.com/2014/6/24/5839814/indiana-pacers-2013-14-player-review-lance-stephenson|work=IndyCornrows.com|date=June 24, 2014|access-date=September 28, 2018}} On November 11, 2013, he scored 13 points with career highs of 12 assists and 11 rebounds for his first career triple-double as the Pacers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 95–79.{{cite web|title=Notebook: Pacers 95, Grizzlies 79|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20131111/MEMIND/gameinfo.html|work=NBA.com|date=November 11, 2013|access-date=September 28, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Candace|last=Buckner|title=Indiana Pacers advance to 8-0 behind Lance Stephenson's triple-double as they defeat Memphis 95-79|url=http://archive.indystar.com/article/20131111/SPORTS04/311110070/|work=IndyStar.com|date=November 12, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2013|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216231546/http://archive.indystar.com/article/20131111/SPORTS04/311110070/|archive-date=February 16, 2015}} He had his second career triple-double eleven days later, recording 10 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds in a 97–82 win over the Boston Celtics.{{cite web|first=Zak|last=Keefer|title=Pacers top Celtics, move to 11-1|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2013/11/22/pacers-top-celtics-move-to-11-1/3683139/|work=IndyStar.com|date=November 22, 2013|access-date=November 23, 2013}} On December 22, 2013, he recorded his third career triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 106–79 win over the Celtics.{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Montieth|url=http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/lance-dances-his-way-triple-double|title=Lance Dances His Way to Triple-Double|work=NBA.com|date=December 22, 2013|access-date=November 11, 2014}} On January 16, 2014, Stephenson scored a career-high 28 points in a 117–89 win over the Knicks.{{cite web|title=East-best Pacers knock around Knicks for ninth straight home victory|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489451|work=ESPN.com|date=January 17, 2014|access-date=September 28, 2018}} He finished the regular season with a league-high five triple-doubles,{{cite web|title=Notebook: Pacers 102, Thunder 97|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20140413/OKCIND/gameinfo.html|work=NBA.com|date=April 13, 2014|access-date=September 28, 2018}}{{cite web|title=NBA Player Double Doubles Statistics - 2013-14|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/player?season=2014|work=ESPN.com|access-date=September 28, 2018}} and finished second in NBA Most Improved Player Award voting.{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Dollinger|title=Suns' Goran Dragic wins NBA's Most Improved Player Award|url=https://www.si.com/node/2204426|work=SI.com|date=April 23, 2014|access-date=September 28, 2018}} The Pacers entered the playoffs as the first seed in the Eastern Conference and advanced to the conference finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat for the second straight year. His unusual tactics made headlines during the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat,{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Broussard|title=Sources: Pacers' offer not enough|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11166650/lance-stephenson-indiana-pacers-impasse-contract|work=ESPN.com|date=July 3, 2014|access-date=September 28, 2018}} including blowing in the ear of LeBron James during a game five win.{{cite web|first=Timothy|last=Rapp|title=Lance Stephenson Explains Why He Blew in Ear of Lakers Teammate LeBron James|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2791914-lance-stephenson-explains-why-he-blew-in-ear-of-lakers-teammate-lebron-james|work=BleacherReport.com|date=August 21, 2018|access-date=September 28, 2018}}

Following the 2013–14 season, the Pacers offered him a five-year, $44 million contract, but instead Stephenson opted to test the market, believing that he was worth more.

=Charlotte Hornets (2014–2015)=

On July 18, 2014, Stephenson signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets.{{cite web|title=Hornets Sign Lance Stephenson|url=http://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-sign-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=July 18, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014}}{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Broussard|title=Hornets sign Lance Stephenson|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11221796/lance-stephenson-charlotte-hornets-3-year-27-million-deal|work=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=July 16, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014}} On November 7, 2014, he won the game for the Hornets in double overtime with a buzzer-beating three-point shot to defeat the Atlanta Hawks 122–119, finishing with his first double-double as a Hornet with 17 points and 13 rebounds.{{cite web|title=Stephenson's 3 lifts Hornets over Hawks in 2OT|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141107/ATLCHA/gameinfo.html|work=NBA.com|date=November 8, 2014|access-date=November 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109195745/http://www.nba.com/games/20141107/ATLCHA/gameinfo.html|archive-date=November 9, 2014|url-status=dead}} On January 14, 2015, against the San Antonio Spurs, Stephenson returned from a 14-game absence due to a pelvic sprain.{{cite web|title=Ginobili, Spurs snap Hornets' 5-game winning streak|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150114/SASCHA/gameinfo.html|work=NBA.com|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=January 14, 2015}}

=Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2016)=

On June 15, 2015, Stephenson was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes.{{cite web|title=Clippers Acquire Lance Stephenson from Hornets|url=http://www.nba.com/clippers/press-release-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=June 15, 2015|access-date=June 16, 2015}} On December 2, 2015, he scored a then season-high 19 points in a loss to his former team, the Indiana Pacers.{{cite web|title=Lance Stephenson 2015-16 Game Log|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/stephla01/gamelog/2016/|work=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=February 20, 2016}}

=Memphis Grizzlies (2016)=

On February 18, 2016, Stephenson was traded, along with a future first-round pick, to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jeff Green.{{cite web|title=Grizzlies acquire future 1st Round Draft Pick & Lance Stephenson from Clippers|url=http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/stephenson-trade-160218|work=NBA.com|date=February 18, 2016|access-date=February 18, 2016}} On March 11, 2016, he scored a career-high 33 points in a 121–114 overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans.{{cite web|title=Stephenson leads Grizzlies to 121-114 OT win over Pelicans|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160311/NOPMEM/gameinfo.html|work=NBA.com|date=March 11, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311112600/http://www.nba.com/games/20160311/NOPMEM/gameinfo.html|archive-date=March 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}

=New Orleans Pelicans (2016)=

On September 14, 2016, Stephenson signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.{{cite web|title=Pelicans Sign Lance Stephenson|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/pelicans-sign-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=September 14, 2016|access-date=September 14, 2016}} After sustaining a groin injury on November 4{{cite web|title=Lance Stephenson Injury Update|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/lance-stephenson-injury-update-11-5-16|work=NBA.com|date=November 5, 2016|access-date=November 6, 2016}}{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Stein|title=Source: Lance Stephenson likely to miss 'weeks, not days' after surgery|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17980433/new-orleans-pelicans-lance-stephenson-indefinitely-groin-injury-requires-surgery|work=NBA.com|date=November 5, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016}} and being subsequently ruled out for six to 10 weeks,{{cite web|title=Lance Stephenson will miss anywhere from 6 to...|url=https://twitter.com/ScottDKushner/status/795674556337946624|work=Twitter|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016}} the Pelicans waived Stephenson on November 7.{{cite web|title=Pelicans Waive Lance Stephenson|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/pelicans-waive-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016}}

=Minnesota Timberwolves (2017)=

On February 8, 2017, Stephenson signed a 10-day contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|title=TIMBERWOLVES SIGN GUARD LANCE STEPHENSON TO 10-DAY CONTRACT|url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-sign-guard-lance-stephenson-10-day-contract|work=NBA.com|date=February 8, 2017|access-date=February 8, 2017}} On February 14, 2017, in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, he suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain.{{cite web|first=Jerry|last=Zgoda|title=Lance Stephenson's grade 2 ankle sprain complicates his future with the Timberwolves|url=http://www.startribune.com/lance-stephenson-s-grade-2-ankle-sprain-complicates-his-future-with-the-timberwolves/413901713/|work=StarTribune.com|date=February 15, 2017|access-date=February 16, 2017|archive-date=October 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028073805/http://www.startribune.com/lance-stephenson-s-grade-2-ankle-sprain-complicates-his-future-with-the-timberwolves/413901713/|url-status=dead}} On March 8, 2017, after recovering from the injury, Stephenson signed a second 10-day contract with the Timberwolves.{{cite web|title=TIMBERWOLVES SIGN GUARD LANCE STEPHENSON TO SECOND 10-DAY CONTRACT|url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-sign-guard-lance-stephenson-second-10-day-contract|work=NBA.com|date=March 8, 2017|access-date=March 9, 2017}} On March 18, the Timberwolves decided not to sign him for the rest of the season.{{cite web|title=Lance Stephenson: Not re-signed by Minnesota|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/lance-stephenson-not-re-signed-by-minnesota/|work=CBSSports.com|date=March 18, 2017|access-date=March 24, 2017}}

=Return to Indiana (2017–2018)=

On March 30, 2017, Stephenson signed with the Indiana Pacers, returning to the franchise for a second stint.{{cite web|title=Pacers Sign Lance Stephenson|url=http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-sign-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=March 30, 2017|access-date=March 30, 2017}} On June 25, 2018, the Pacers declined their team option on Stephenson's contract, thus parting ways with him for a second time.{{cite web|title=Indiana Pacers decline team option on guard Lance Stephenson|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/06/25/indiana-pacers-decline-team-option-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=June 25, 2018|access-date=July 1, 2018}}

=Los Angeles Lakers (2018–2019)=

On July 10, 2018, Stephenson signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web|title=Lakers Sign Lance Stephenson|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/180710-lakers-sign-lance-stephenson|work=NBA.com|date=July 10, 2018|access-date=July 10, 2018}} On October 24, 2018, he had 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a 131–113 win over the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|title=LeBron James gets 1st win as a Laker in romp over Suns|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070741|work=ESPN.com|date=October 24, 2018|access-date=October 24, 2018}} He missed time in March because of a sprained toe on his left foot.{{cite web|title=Kawhi Leonard scores 25 points, Raptors beat Lakers 111-98|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071696|work=ESPN.com|date=March 14, 2019|access-date=March 14, 2019|quote=...Lance Stephenson sat for the sixth time in seven games because of a sprained toe on his left foot.}} He was the last Lakers player to wear number #6 before LeBron James.

=Liaoning Flying Leopards (2019–2020)=

On August 1, 2019, Stephenson signed with the Liaoning Flying Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association.{{cite web|title=Flying Leopards tab Lance Stephenson|url=https://www.asia-basket.com/China/news/590074/Flying-Leopards-tab-Lance-Stephenson|website=Asia-Basket.com|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 1, 2019}} On September 22, 2019, he helped the team in an 83–82 title win over Seoul SK Knights at 2019 East Asia Super League Terrific 12 and named the most valuable player of the Terrific 12.{{cite web|title=The Terrific 12 Finals|url=http://eastasiasuperleague.com/the-terrific-12-finals/|website=EastAsiaSuperLeague.com|date=September 24, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2019}}

=Grand Rapids Gold (2021)=

Stephenson was selected by the Grand Rapids Gold 13th overall in the 2021 NBA G League draft.{{cite web|title=LiAngelo Ball, Stephenson among notables selected in G League draft|url=https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2206659|website=TheScore.com|date=October 23, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021}} In 12 games, he averaged 19.8 points (.476 FG%, .306 3FG%, .686 FT%), 8.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 35.0 minutes per contest.{{cite web|title=Hawks Sign Lance Stephenson and Malcolm Hill to 10-Day Contracts|url=https://www.nba.com/hawks/news/hawks-sign-lance-stephenson-and-malcolm-hill-10-day-contracts|website=NBA.com|date=December 22, 2021|access-date=December 22, 2021}}

=Atlanta Hawks (2021–2022)=

On December 22, 2021, Stephenson signed a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks.

=Third stint with Indiana (2022)=

After his contract with the Hawks expired, Stephenson signed a new 10-day contract with the Indiana Pacers on January 1, 2022, to return to the franchise for a third stint. He signed the contract under the NBA's COVID-related hardship exception.{{cite web|title=Pacers Sign Justin Anderson and Lance Stephenson to 10-Day Contracts|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-sign-justin-anderson-and-lance-stephenson-10-day-contracts|access-date=January 2, 2022|website=Indiana Pacers}} On January 8, he recorded 16 points, a career-high 14 assists and four steals in a 125–113 win over the Utah Jazz.{{cite web|title=Sabonis scores career-high 42 to Pacers past Jazz, 125-113|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360413|work=ESPN|date=January 8, 2022|access-date=January 9, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Boyd |first=James |date=8 January 2022 |title=Lance Stephenson, Domantas Sabonis notch career-highs in Pacers' win over Jazz |url=https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2022/01/08/pacers-vs-jazz-lance-stephenson-domantas-sabonis-career-highs-win/9074124002/ |work=Indy Star |location= |access-date=8 January 2022}} After initially re-signing with the Pacers on January 11 to a second 10-day contract under the hardship exception,{{cite web|title=Pacers Sign Lance Stephenson to Second 10-Day Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-sign-lance-stephenson-second-10-day-contract|access-date=January 11, 2022|website=Indiana Pacers}} he signed a regular 10-day contract on January 14 due to the Pacers no longer having any players listed in the NBA's Health & Safety protocols.{{cite web|title=Pacers Sign Lance Stephenson to 10-Day Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-sign-lance-stephenson-10-day-contract-220114|access-date=January 16, 2022|website=NBA.com|date=January 14, 2022}} Stephenson signed a second 10-day contract with the Pacers on January 24.{{cite web |title=Pacers Sign Lance Stephenson to Second 10-Day Contract |url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-sign-lance-stephenson-second-10-day-contract-220124 |website=NBA.com |access-date=January 24, 2022 |date=January 24, 2022}} On February 4, he signed with the Pacers until the end of the season.{{cite web |title=Pacers Sign Lance Stephenson |url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-sign-lance-stephenson-220203 |website=NBA.com |access-date=February 5, 2022 |date=February 4, 2022}} On February 13, 2022, Stephenson logged 21 points, four assists, and three rebounds in a 129–120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. On March 24, 2022, Stephenson scored 25 points in a 103–133 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/game/0022101096?watch |title=Indiana Pacers vs Memphis Grizzlies Mar 24, 2022 Game - Scores, Stats & Highlights |work=NBA.com |date= |accessdate=2022-05-05}}

=Leones de Ponce (2023)=

On April 27, 2023, Stephenson signed with Leones de Ponce of the Puerto Rican league.{{cite tweet|number=1651618555115216897|title=#BSNPR ÚLTIMA HORA: El ex-NBA Lance Stephenson es el nuevo refuerzo de los Leones de Ponce.|user=LaGuerraBSN|author=La Guerra del BSN|date=April 27, 2023|access-date=April 27, 2023}} He was released on May 6 after appearing in 4 games.

=Iowa Wolves (2023–2024)=

On December 14, 2023, Stephenson joined the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League.{{cite web|title=Wolves Add Lance Stephenson; Waive Brian Bowen II|url=https://iowa.gleague.nba.com/news/wolves-add-lance-stephenson-waive-brian-bowen-ii|website=NBA.com|date=December 14, 2023|access-date=December 14, 2023}}

Career statistics

=NBA=

==Regular season==

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2010}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 12 || 0 || 9.6 || .333 || .000 || .786 || 1.5 || 1.8 || .3 || .0 || 3.1

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2011}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 42 || 1 || 10.5 || .376 || .133 || .471 || 1.3 || 1.1 || .5 || .1 || 2.5

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2012}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 78 || 72 || 29.2 || .460 || .330 || .652 || 3.9 || 2.9 || 1.0 || .2 || 8.8

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2013}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 78 || 78 || 35.3 || .491 || .352 || .711 || 7.2 || 4.6 || .7 || .1 || 13.8

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2014}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Charlotte

| 61 || 25 || 25.8 || .376 || .171 || .627 || 4.5 || 3.9 || .6 || .1 || 8.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2015}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Clippers

| 43 || 10 || 15.8 || .494 || .404 || .700 || 2.5 || 1.4 || .6 || .1 || 4.7

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2015|nolink=y}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Memphis

| 26 || 3 || 26.6 || .474 || .355 || .815 || 4.4 || 2.8 || .7 || .2 || 14.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2016}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 6 || 0 || 27.0 || .473 || .100 || .625 || 3.3 || 4.8 || .3 || .2 || 9.7

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2016|nolink=y}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Minnesota

| 6 || 0 || 11.2 || .476 || .000 || .500 || 1.7 || .8 || .0 || .0 || 3.5

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2016|nolink=y}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 6 || 0 || 22.0 || .409 || .625 || .667 || 4.0 || 4.2 || .5 || .3 || 7.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| style="background:#cfecec;"| 82* || 7 || 22.6 || .427 || .289 || .661 || 5.2 || 2.9 || .6 || .2 || 9.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2018}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 68 || 3 || 16.5 || .426 || .371 || .685 || 3.2 || 2.1 || .6 || .1 || 7.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Atlanta

| 6 || 0 || 11.7 || .385 || .000 || .500 || 2.5 || 1.8 || .0 || .0 || 1.8

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021|nolink=y}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 40 || 1 || 18.6 || .458 || .310 || .795 || 2.8 || 3.9 || .6 || .1 || 9.3

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 554 || 200 || 22.9 || .445 || .314 || .694 || 4.1 || 2.9 || .6 || .1 || 8.6

==Playoffs==

| style="text-align:left;"|2012

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 4 || 0 || 3.0 || .222 || .500 || .500 || .0 || .3 || .0 || .0 || 1.5

| style="text-align:left;"|2013

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 19 || 19 || 35.4 || .408 || .281 || .622 || 7.6 || 3.3 || 1.2 || .1 || 9.4

| style="text-align:left;"|2014

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 19 || 19 || 37.1 || .455 || .358 || .714 || 6.9 || 4.2 || .8 || .2 || 13.6

| style="text-align:left;"|2016

| style="text-align:left;"|Memphis

| 4 || 0 || 23.8 || .523 || .400 || .800 || 1.5 || 1.8 || .3 || .0 || 13.0

| style="text-align:left;"|2017

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 4 || 0 || 26.8 || .509 || .389 || .750 || 5.3 || 2.8 || .5 || .0 || 16.0

| style="text-align:left;"|2018

| style="text-align:left;"|Indiana

| 7 || 0 || 21.3 || .462 || .308 || .556 || 2.7 || 2.9 || .3 || .1 || 10.4

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 57 || 38 || 30.5 || .448 || .330 || .670 || 5.6 || 3.2 || .8 || .1 || 11.1

=CBA=

| style="text-align:left;"|2019–20

| style="text-align:left;"|Liaoning

| 29 || 29 || 34.8 || .522 || .300 || .778 || 7.4 || 3.8 || 1.1 || .2 || 26.7

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 29 || 29 || 34.8 || .522 || .300 || .778 || 7.4 || 3.8 || 1.1 || .2 || 26.7

=BSN=

| style="text-align:left;"|2022–23

| style="text-align:left;"|Leones

|4 ||4 || 32.0|| .556|| .217 || .762 || 5.3|| 2.5||0.3|| 0.0|| 20.3

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

|4 ||4 || 32.0|| .556|| .217|| .762 || 5.3|| 2.5|| 0.3|| 0.0|| 20.3

=College=

| style="text-align:left;"| 2009-10

| style="text-align:left;"| Cincinnati

| 34 || 32 || 28.2 || .440 || .219 || .664 || 5.4 || 2.5 || .9 || .2 || 12.3

=NBA G League=

==Regular season==

| style="text-align:left;"|2021–22

| style="text-align:left;"|Grand Rapids

| 12 || 12 || 35.0 || .471 || .306 || .686 || 8.3 || 4.1 || .8 || .3 || 19.8

| style="text-align:left;"|2023-24

| style="text-align:left;"|Iowa

| 3 || 0 || 24.3 || .441 || .000 || .750 || 8.7 || 4.3 || 1.0 || .0 || 11.3

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 15 || 12 || 32.9 || .466 || .263 || .692 || 8.4 || 4.1 || .9 || .2 || 18.1

Personal life

Stephenson is the son of Lance Sr. and Bernadette Stephenson. He has a younger brother named Lantz. Stephenson appeared in a cameo role as himself in the 2020 film Fatale.

=Legal issues=

In January 2008, Stephenson was suspended from school for five days and missed two games following an altercation with a teammate.{{cite news|first=Kristie|last=Ackert|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2008/01/10/2008-01-10_lincoln_basketball_star_in_altercation.html|title=Lincoln Basketball Star in Altercation|date=January 10, 2008|newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=February 20, 2016}} In October that year, he was arrested for groping a 17-year-old inside the school. Lance was 18 at the time.{{cite news|first=Dorian|last=Block|title=Lincoln High School hoops phenom Lance Stephenson charged with school grope|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/10/18/2008-10-18_lincoln_high_school_hoops_phenom_lance_s.html#ixzz0FR54s3s6&B|date=October 18, 2008|newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=February 20, 2016}} He faced a Class B misdemeanor sexual assault charge, and his parents ended the "Born Ready" reality show following the arrest.

On August 15, 2010, Stephenson was arrested for third-degree assault after allegedly pushing his girlfriend down a flight of stairs.{{cite news|title=Lance Stephenson arrested in N.Y.|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5466679|date=August 15, 2010|work=ESPN.com|access-date=August 15, 2010}} The case was eventually dismissed.{{cite news|first=Mike |last=Wells |title=2013 NBA Playoffs: Pacers Lance Stephenson finds his way |url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20130419/SPORTS04/304190046/2013-NBA-Playoffs-Pacers-Lance-Stephenson-finds-his-way |work=Indianapolis Star |date=April 20, 2013 |access-date=May 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812065636/http://www.indystar.com/article/20130419/SPORTS04/304190046/2013-NBA-Playoffs-Pacers-Lance-Stephenson-finds-his-way |archive-date=August 12, 2015 }}