Lance Stephenson apparently has a new look now. That in itself is neither surprising nor newsworthy, but the reaction he got to it has been unexpected. Especially considering who that reaction is coming from.
On Saturday, Stephenson posted a photo of himself to Instagram showcasing his fresh appearance.
The response to it was absolutely priceless.
Stephenson was sorely missed by NBA fans this past year when he opted to go play in China following a 1-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018-19.
During his time with the Lakers, Stephenson averaged a little more than 7 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists per outing. He shot 42.6 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three that year.
Yikes Ty Lawson. https://t.co/eU8uzCE2NU
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 19, 2020
Those numbers were roughly similar to his career totals.
During his nearly decade in the NBA, Stephenson averaged slightly more than 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
Over the course of his 9-year NBA career, Stephenson has suited up for the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lakers.
In case you’re wondering why Bronny James is trending on a Saturday morning. https://t.co/T98xyQ4Jel
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 19, 2020
Last year, he played out the season with the Liaoning Flying Leopards. He averaged 26.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
At only 30 years old and with tons of relationships in the league, you would think Stephenson still has one more NBA run left in him.
Plenty of teams could use a gritty, unpredictable veteran presence in the locker room.
Back in March, it was thought to be a lock that he would re-sign with the Pacers at some point and end his career there.
Unfortunately, when COVID-19 hit, his time in China precluded him from jumping to the NBA Bubble.
“Yeah, definitely, I wanted to play in Orlando,” Stephenson said during an interview with Forbes back in July.
Stephenson’s agent, Reggie Brown, also admitted that a Pacers deal was close.
“We were in serious conversations for a third-time’s-a-charm return to the Pacers,” he said.
“We were offered buyout money from the team in China from the Pacers and we were 99 percent done. And then the pandemic took place, and the NBA decided that no overseas players would be allowed to participate in the 22-team bubble return.
“They would only take players who played last season or this season in the NBA and/or the G League.”
Will Stephenson ultimately find himself back in the league in 2020-21? Time will tell.
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