With No Takers In NBA Free Agency, Temperamental Swingman Brings Act To China

For NBA players like Lance Stephenson, time is essential. Though only 28 years old, it has been a rocky ride for the controversial swingman who has struggled to find his way since his breakout stint with the Indiana Pacers from 2010-14. After a year with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 40th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft has technically hit rock bottom - similar to what Jeremy Lin may be going through right now.

Among the players who could easily fill in reserve roles in any NBA roster available in free agency, Stephenson seems to have given up or make sure that he won't be left out in the cold at least for the year. The temperamental swingman has taken his act to China and will suit up for the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the CBA, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported citing unidentified sources.

With the Lakers, Stephenson came off the bench and averaged 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 68 games. Aside from that, he was considered one of the power players to come off the bench and play defense on select players on opposing teams. The numbers were far from what he turned in when he was with the Indiana Pacers (13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game during the 2013-14), although injuries (most of which started with the Charlotte Hornets) have slowed him down.

After bombing out in Charlotte, he was given a new lease on life when Doc Rivers took him in with the Los Angeles Clippers. But he was far from the same players that helped the Pacers make the NBA playoffs during his prime. After stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Clippers once more, things were simply never the same for the 6-foot-6 native of Brooklyn.

Last month, Stephenson was one of the multiple NBA free agents who worked out in Las Vegas with hopes of hooking up with a team for the 2019-20 NBA season. That bunch included the likes of Amar'e Stoudemire and Monta Ellis, veterans who were hoping to prove that they still got what it takes to play in the NBA. Much of this was covered in a previous post.

It will be interesting if Stephenson will be able to recall the old form he once had which captured the fancy of several NBA teams. Seeing how his current deal ($4 million) is just for one year, it won't come as a surprise if he tries his luck next summer.