History of Lance Stephenson in Timeline

"Lance Stephenson Jr. is an American professional basketball player currently with the Iowa Wolves. His basketball journey began at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, where his exceptional skills earned him the title of 'Mr. New York Basketball' and a spot in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game. He honed his skills further playing college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats before joining the NBA in 2010 after being drafted by the Indiana Pacers. Stephenson is recognized for his entertaining and unpredictable playing style that features creative passes, swift drives to the basket, and amusing celebratory antics."

September 5, 1990: Birth

Lance Stephenson Jr. was born on September 5, 1990.

2005: High School Transfer and City Title

In 2005, Lance Stephenson briefly attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School before transferring to Abraham Lincoln High School. He led Lincoln High to the city title that year.

2007: National Recognition and All-USA Team Selection

In 2007, Lance Stephenson received national recognition as the only non-senior named to USA Today's All-USA boys basketball team.

January 2008: School Suspension and Altercation

In January 2008, Stephenson was suspended from school for five days and missed two games due to an altercation with a teammate.

July 2008: US National Team Tryout

In July 2008, Lance Stephenson tried out for the United States under-18 national team but was cut due to chemistry concerns.

February 15, 2009: New York State Scoring Record

On February 15, 2009, Lance Stephenson broke the New York state high school scoring record, previously held by Sebastian Telfair.

March 2009: Fourth Consecutive PSAL Championship

In March 2009, Lance Stephenson led Lincoln High School to their fourth straight Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) class AA championship, a historic achievement.

April 2009: McDonald's All-American Game Performance

Lance Stephenson showcased his skills in the April 2009 McDonald's All-American Game, recording 12 points, six assists, and three steals.

April 2009: Kansas Scholarship Unavailable

Lance Stephenson's potential scholarship offer from Kansas was impacted by Xavier Henry's commitment to the university, which filled their scholarship limit.

November 6, 2009: NCAA Clearance

Lance Stephenson was cleared by the NCAA to play for Cincinnati in their season opener on November 15, 2009, after questions about his eligibility.

2009: High School Success and McDonald's All-American Game

In 2009, Lance Stephenson Jr. was named Mr. New York Basketball and played in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game.

2009: College Selection Process

Lance Stephenson narrowed down his college choices to Maryland and Arizona after initially considering Kansas and St. John's.

2009: Signing with Cincinnati

Lance Stephenson signed a financial aid agreement with the University of Cincinnati, joining their basketball program for the 2009-2010 season.

March 6, 2010: Season-High Performance against Georgetown

On March 6, 2010, Lance Stephenson achieved a season-best 23 points against Georgetown University during his freshman year at Cincinnati.

April 7, 2010: NBA Draft Declaration

Lance Stephenson announced his decision to enter the 2010 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining three years of college eligibility.

August 15, 2010: Arrest and Assault Charge

On August 15, 2010, Stephenson was arrested for third-degree assault after allegedly pushing his girlfriend down a flight of stairs. However, the case was later dismissed.

2010: NBA Draft Selection

Lance Stephenson Jr. was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2010 NBA draft.

February 27, 2011: NBA Debut

Lance Stephenson made his NBA debut for the Indiana Pacers on February 27, 2011, against the Phoenix Suns.

2011: Playing Time and Regular Season Finale

Lance Stephenson's playing time fluctuated in the 2011-2012 season. He started the final regular-season game and scored 22 points.

2012: Breakthrough Season

Lance Stephenson had a breakout year in the 2012-2013 season, averaging 8.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

April 14, 2013: Season-High Scoring Game

Lance Stephenson scored a season-high 22 points against the New York Knicks on April 14, 2013.

November 11, 2013: First Career Triple-Double

Lance Stephenson achieved his first career triple-double in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 11, 2013.

December 22, 2013: Third Career Triple-Double

Lance Stephenson recorded his third career triple-double on December 22, 2013, against the Boston Celtics.

2013: Contract Negotiations

After the 2013-2014 season, Lance Stephenson opted to test free agency, seeking a higher contract than the Pacers' offer.

January 16, 2014: Career-High Scoring Performance

Lance Stephenson had a career-high scoring game on January 16, 2014, scoring 28 points against the New York Knicks.

July 18, 2014: Signs with Charlotte Hornets

On July 18, 2014, Lance Stephenson signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets.

November 7, 2014: Game-Winning Shot vs. Atlanta Hawks

On November 7, 2014, Stephenson won the game for the Hornets against the Atlanta Hawks with a buzzer-beating three-point shot in double overtime. He finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds, his first double-double as a Hornet.

January 14, 2015: Returns from Pelvic Sprain

On January 14, 2015, Stephenson returned to the court after a 14-game absence due to a pelvic sprain, in a game against the San Antonio Spurs.

June 15, 2015: Traded to Los Angeles Clippers

On June 15, 2015, the Charlotte Hornets traded Stephenson to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes.

December 2, 2015: Season-High Score Against Pacers

On December 2, 2015, Stephenson scored a then season-high 19 points against his former team, the Indiana Pacers, although the Clippers lost the game.

February 18, 2016: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies

On February 18, 2016, the Los Angeles Clippers traded Stephenson, along with a future first-round draft pick, to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jeff Green.

March 11, 2016: Career-High 33 Points vs. Pelicans

Stephenson achieved a career-high score of 33 points on March 11, 2016, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 121-114 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

September 14, 2016: Signs with New Orleans Pelicans

On September 14, 2016, Lance Stephenson signed a contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.

February 8, 2017: Signs with Minnesota Timberwolves

Stephenson signed a 10-day contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 8, 2017.

February 14, 2017: Ankle Injury vs. Cavaliers

On February 14, 2017, during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Stephenson suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain.

March 8, 2017: Second 10-Day Contract with Timberwolves

After recovering from his ankle injury, Stephenson signed a second 10-day contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 8, 2017.

March 30, 2017: Returns to Indiana Pacers

On March 30, 2017, Stephenson returned to play for the Indiana Pacers for a second stint.

June 25, 2018: Pacers Decline Contract Option

The Indiana Pacers declined their team option on Stephenson's contract on June 25, 2018, parting ways with him for a second time.

July 10, 2018: Signs with Los Angeles Lakers

On July 10, 2018, Stephenson signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

October 24, 2018: Strong Performance vs. Suns

Stephenson put on a strong performance against the Phoenix Suns on October 24, 2018, with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in a 131-113 Lakers win.

August 1, 2019: Joins Liaoning Flying Leopards

Stephenson joined the Liaoning Flying Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association on August 1, 2019.

September 22, 2019: East Asia Super League Championship and MVP

On September 22, 2019, Stephenson helped the Liaoning Flying Leopards secure an 83-82 victory over Seoul SK Knights in the East Asia Super League Terrific 12 championship. He was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

2020: Cameo Appearance in "Fatale"

In 2020, Stephenson made a cameo appearance as himself in the film "Fatale".

December 22, 2021: Signs 10-Day Contract with Atlanta Hawks

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

2021: Drafted by Grand Rapids Gold

In 2021, Stephenson was selected 13th overall by the Grand Rapids Gold in the NBA G League draft.

January 1, 2022: Returns to Pacers for Third Stint

Stephenson returned to the Indiana Pacers for a third stint on January 1, 2022, signing a 10-day contract under the NBA's COVID-related hardship exception.