Lance Stephenson has always thrived in an Indiana Pacers uniform, a jersey that has become nearly symbolic of his blooming game in the NBA. The Brooklyn native recently signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after spending his last season in Indy, but he wouldn't rule out a potential return if the front office comes calling.
“Oh, of course. This is home. Of course,” Stephenson said at his thank you party inside Incrediplex, a sports and entertainment venue in Indianapolis, according to Dana Benbow of The Indianapolis Star. “I would always want to come back here.”
Stephenson started his career with the Pacers, slowly carving up minutes into the rotation until his big break came about during his fourth season, putting up 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists through 78 games in 2013-14.
That would mark his last of four seasons in Indiana before bouncing around with the Charlotte Hornets, L.A. Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Minnesota Timberwolves before coming back to the Pacers — playing for six different teams in three seasons.
The Pacers brought him back for the entirety of the 2017-18 season over a one-year deal, but negotiations soured when president Kevin Pritchard brought in Tyreke Evans, a guard/forward combo with a very similar skill set.
The Lakers have a fragile roster construction at the moment, with many movable pieces signed to one-year deals. If this season fails to work out for Sir Lance-a-lot, it's only a matter of time before Indy makes that call one more time.
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