Lance Stephenson on his rep: 'There's no facts that I'm a bad locker-room guy'
Once revered as one of the more dynamic two-way players in the NBA, Lance Stephenson's reputation was damaged by a catastrophic campaign with the Charlotte Hornets this past year.
Now with the Los Angeles Clippers after being dealt to the team in mid-June, the 24-year-old is ready to leave his past behind and repair how he's perceived in NBA circles with a strong showing across the board next season.
"I'm on a mission to win a chip. I'm on a mission to do great this year. I'm on a mission to prove everybody wrong," Stephenson said to the Los Angeles Times' Ben Bolch.
One of his best chances at a ring thus far came with the Indiana Pacers in 2013-14, averaging 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists during his strongest statistical year. Stephenson then signed a three-year deal with Charlotte that offseason, but the Hornets ultimately won 10 fewer games than the season before.
People began pointing their fingers at Stephenson, whose dip in production, reported clashes with teammates, and ghastly shooting - his 17.3 3-point percentage was the lowest in league history for a player with 100 or more attempts - were believed to have factored heavily into the Hornets' demise.
"I mean, a lot of people are doubting me and saying I'm a bad locker-room guy and all of those rumors, but there's no facts that I'm a bad locker-room guy, so I'm going to just show everybody and just go hard this year," Stephenson said.
Stephenson believes the notion that he's a "bad teammate" stems from how vocal he is on the hardwood, but those who play on his side will chalk it up to his leadership style.
"People that are just watching the game will be like, 'Oh, he's a bad guy because he's yelling at his teammates,'" Stephenson adds. "But me and my teammates understand where I'm coming from."
While his relationships with his fellow Hornets may not have been as strained as some think, on-court chemistry was still an issue. Stephenson never established himself in Charlotte's offense.
"Every time I was on the floor," Stephenson said, "I mean, it just didn't fit well." The Brooklyn native previously attributed some of his struggles to playing a similar style to that of point guard Kemba Walker.
Joining the Clippers provides Stephenson the opportunity to play a pivotal role on a team vying to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Head coach Doc Rivers has indicated that he envisions his new combo guard in a reserve role as a utility player, which should suit Stephenson as he slowly integrates himself into the Clippers' schemes and on-court style.
If all checks out, "Born Ready" could end up being born again as a basketball player in 2015-16.