Lakers’ former hit-or-miss guard makes announcement on stunning career move, per report

Throughout the early-mid 2010s, Lance Stephenson quickly became one of the most controversial and polarizing players in the entire NBA.

Now, recent reports have indicated that the 10-year veteran and entertaining shooting guard will join several other notable former players in making the transition to Ice Cube's BIG3 league.

"Former NBA guard Lance Stephenson is signing with the BIG3, sources tell me," NBA insider Chris Haynes shared via Twitter/X on Wednesday.

"Lance Stephenson joins the company of former high profile NBA players to make their BIG3 debuts this season: Dwight Howard, Kemba Walker, Montrezl Harrell and Wes Johnson."

After making a name as one of LeBron James' most recognized playoff rivals as a member of the Indiana Pacers in 2014, and eventually joining James on the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2018-19 regular season, Stephenson was able to earn a spot in the hearts of basketball fans around the world for his antics and infectious personality.

With Los Angeles, the erratic guard contributed 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while knocking down 37.1% of his looks from three-point range. He also authored some memorable moments while wearing a Lakers uniform, including a questionable ankle-breaker to get former Washington Wizards forward Jeff Green stumbling late in the season.

As a journeyman that was able to net a decade of service time in the Association, Stephenson experienced stints as a member of the Pacers, Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks. 

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Stephenson was widely recognized as a lovable defensive pest that possessed a unique flare on the offensive end through his tight handle, slick play-making skills and underrated leaping ability. In the very near future, he'll be looking to carry these qualities over to the BIG3 while matching up against a slew of fellow retired NBA stars.

Over the course of his 554-game NBA career, the former No. 40 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft to Indiana averaged 8.6 points and 4.1 rebounds along with a 48.9% effective field goal percentage.

More NBA: Celtics predicted to 'explore the trade market' for Porzingis, Brown, White