Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s a detailed profile of Lance Stephenson:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Lance Stephenson Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born September 5, 1990
  • Hometown: Brooklyn, New York, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters)
  • Weight: 230 lbs (104 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters)
  • Shoe Size: US size 14
  • Number: Worn various numbers, most notably 1 and 6
  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • High School: Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he was a high school basketball phenom and New York State Mr. Basketball in 2009.
  • College: University of Cincinnati, where he played one season (2009–2010).
  • NBA Draft: Selected in the 2nd round (40th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers.
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Indiana Pacers (2010–2014, 2017–2018, 2022)
    2. Charlotte Hornets (2014–2015)
    3. Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2016)
    4. Memphis Grizzlies (2016)
    5. New Orleans Pelicans (2016–2017)
    6. Minnesota Timberwolves (2017)
    7. Los Angeles Lakers (2018–2019)
    8. Atlanta Hawks (2021)
    9. Other leagues: Played internationally in China (Liaoning Flying Leopards) and in the G League.
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA.
  • Kids: Stephenson has multiple children.
  • Siblings: Has a brother, Lantz Stephenson, and other siblings.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Lance Stephenson’s player archetype was that of a chaos-creator combo wing — a physical, aggressive ball-handler who could function as a secondary playmaker, pressure the rim, rebound above his position, and inject energy into a game even when his decision-making ran hot and cold. Defensively, he was at his best as a tough on-ball wing defender and disruptive team piece, using his strength, length, and competitiveness to bother guards and wings, while offensively he operated as a slashing creator, transition attacker, and occasional pick-and-roll initiator more than a pure shooter. His physical traits were central to the appeal: a sturdy 6-foot-5 frame, strong upper body, and long reach gave him the look and feel of an oversized guard who could absorb contact and play through it. Overall, Stephenson’s style mixed force, flair, and unpredictability, making him a uniquely volatile but impactful perimeter player who could swing possessions with rebounding, passing, defense, or improvisational scoring.

Fun Facts

Stephenson is remembered for his vibrant personality, highlight-worthy plays, and his iconic moments, such as “blowing in LeBron James’ ear” during the NBA playoffs.

Sources:

Grantland — The Ultimate Guide to Lance Stephenson
Grantland — The Courtship of Lance Stephenson
NBA.com/Pacers — Player Analysis: Lance Stephenson
NBADraft.net — Lance Stephenson