Report: Free agent Lance Stephenson could return by mid-January

Lance Stephenson could soon be available to play.

The free agent is recovering from groin surgery faster than expected, and could return to the court in mid-January, sources told Chris Haynes of ESPN.

The 26-year-old signed with the New Orleans Pelicans over the offseason, but was waived in early November after suffering a groin injury that would sideline him for roughly two months.

At the time, Pelicans general manager Dell Demps was open to the idea of bringing back the swingman following his recovery. Stephenson suited up in only six games for the Pelicans, averaging 9.7 points, 4.8 assists, and three rebounds in 27 minutes per outing.

He posted the following photo Saturday, declaring he's "coming soon":

On Monday, "Born Ready" showed he's making progress on Snapchat. In one video, he said it's his "first day back on the court." Then he posted several clips of him draining corner threes in a gym.