"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: 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.
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.
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: Signing with Cincinnati
Lance Stephenson signed a financial aid agreement with the University of Cincinnati, joining their basketball program for the 2009-2010 season.
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.
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.
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.
February 13, 2022: Strong Showing vs. Timberwolves
On February 13, 2022, despite a 129-120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Stephenson had a notable game with 21 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds.
March 24, 2022: 25-Point Game Against Grizzlies
Stephenson scored 25 points for the Pacers on March 24, 2022, in a 103-133 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies.
April 27, 2023: Signs with Leones de Ponce
On April 27, 2023, Stephenson signed with Leones de Ponce of the Puerto Rican league.
December 14, 2023: Joins Iowa Wolves
Stephenson joined the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League on December 14, 2023.