Free agent shooting guard Lance Stephenson is trying to make a comeback stateside. The former Indiana Pacers second-round pick is looking for an opportunity to play in the NBA again after a stint competing overseas in China, per Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.
Yahoo Sources: Free agent guard Lance Stephenson seeking return to NBA following season in China where he averaged 26.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and shot 52 percent from field. He’s willing to work out to prove his value.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 22, 2020
Stephenson was a Brooklyn product before attending Cincinnati for a single season, earning Big East Rookie of the Year. The 6-foot-6 guard shockingly decided to declare for the 2010 NBA Draft, during which the Pacers selected him with the 40th overall selection.
The 29-year-old swingman spent the first four seasons of his professional tenure in Indiana before signing with the Charlotte Hornets in 2014. When it didn't work out with the Hornets, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers before getting short stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Stephenson ultimately returned to the Pacers for six games in 2017 before re-upping for the next season, appearing in all 82 games for Indy in 2017-18.
“Born Ready,” also known for his on-court antics like blowing into then-Miami Heat star forward LeBron James' ear during a dead ball in the Eastern Conference Finals, played with James and the Lakers last season. He became a free agent again this past summer and opted to sign with the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the Chinese Basketball Association.
In 29 games with Liaoning, Stephenson has averaged 26.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per contest, shooting 52.2 percent from the field, 30.0 percent from 3-point range and 77.8 percent from the free throw line.
Lance Stephenson averaged 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, shooting 44.4 percent from the floor and 31.5 percent from deep in his nine-year NBA career.
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