What Happened to Lance Stephenson Jr.?
Lance Stephenson is an American professional basketball player known for his dynamic and often unpredictable playstyle, primarily during his multiple stints with the Indiana Pacers. After a decade in the NBA, he has continued his career in the NBA G League, overseas, and most recently in the BIG3 league, where he won a championship in 2025 and was involved in a notable on-court altercation in June 2026.
Quick Answer
Lance Stephenson, known as 'Born Ready,' is currently playing in the BIG3 basketball league for Miami 305. He won a championship with the team in 2025 and was recently involved in an on-court altercation during a game on June 21, 2026, which led to the game's cancellation. Prior to the BIG3, Stephenson had a notable NBA career, primarily with the Indiana Pacers, and also played in the NBA G League and overseas.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Brooklyn, New York
Lance Stephenson Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York.
McDonald's All-American & Mr. New York Basketball
Stephenson participated in the McDonald's All-American Game and was named Mr. New York Basketball after his senior year at Abraham Lincoln High School.
Big East Rookie of the Year
In his only college season, Stephenson averaged 12.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was named Big East Rookie of the Year.
Drafted by Indiana Pacers
Selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 40th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft.
First Career Triple-Double
Recorded his first career triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds against the Memphis Grizzlies during his breakout 2013-14 season.
Signs with Charlotte Hornets
After his breakout season with the Pacers, Stephenson signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets.
Joins Liaoning Flying Leopards (China)
Signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Liaoning Flying Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association, winning the Terrific 12 championship and MVP.
Signs 10-day contract with Atlanta Hawks
Stephenson signed a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks, marking his return to the NBA after playing in China.
Third Stint with Indiana Pacers
Signed a 10-day contract with the Indiana Pacers, his third time playing for the franchise, eventually signing for the rest of the season.
Joins Iowa Wolves (G League)
Stephenson joined the Iowa Wolves, the Minnesota Timberwolves' G League affiliate, seeking an NBA comeback.
Wins BIG3 Championship with Miami 305
Stephenson made an immediate impact in the BIG3 league, winning a championship with Miami 305 in his rookie season (Season 8).
Ejected from BIG3 game after altercation
During the 2026 BIG3 season opener, Stephenson was ejected from a game for throwing punches at an opponent, leading to the game's cancellation and a forfeit for his team, Miami 305.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Lance Stephenson Jr., born on September 5, 1990, carved out a distinctive career in professional basketball, earning the nickname 'Born Ready' for his confident and often flashy play. After a standout high school career where he was named Mr. New York Basketball, he played one season at the University of Cincinnati, earning Big East Rookie of the Year honors, before being selected 40th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA Draft.
Stephenson's initial years in the NBA were marked by flashes of brilliance and occasional maturity issues, but he truly broke out during his first stint with the Pacers from 2010-2014. He became a key component of a competitive Pacers team, known for his triple-double threats and tenacious defense, particularly against LeBron James. His departure from Indiana in 2014 to sign with the Charlotte Hornets marked the beginning of a journeyman phase, as he bounced between several NBA teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers.
After his NBA career became less consistent, Stephenson explored opportunities outside the league. He played for the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in 2019-2020, where he won the Terrific 12 championship and MVP award. He also had stints in the NBA G League with the Grand Rapids Gold (2021) and the Iowa Wolves (2023-2024), and briefly played for Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico in 2023.
In recent years, Stephenson has found a new platform in the BIG3 league. He joined Miami 305 and made an immediate impact, winning a championship in his rookie season (Season 8, 2025). His competitive spirit, however, continues to generate headlines. On June 21, 2026, during the opening weekend of the BIG3 season, Stephenson was ejected from a game between Miami 305 and the LA Riot after committing a hard foul and throwing punches at an opposing player, Jordan Crawford. This altercation, which also involved his teammate Michael Beasley, led to the game being called off due to insufficient players, with Miami 305 forfeiting the match. Despite the controversy, Stephenson and Miami 305 are scheduled to play their next game on June 27, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Lance Stephenson Jr. made different choices?