Lance Stephenson introduced as new Clipper: 'I'm a good locker room guy'

Lance Stephenson wants to use his new opportunity with the Los Angeles Clippers to put his tumultuous past in the rearview mirror.

"It was a tough season," the newly acquired Stephenson told reporters Thursday, referring to his 2014-15 campaign with the Charlotte Hornets. "It was a struggle for me but I just want to put that behind me and I'm looking forward to a great season now."

During the combo guard's introductory press conference at the team's practice facility, Stephenson addressed his plan to eliminate the stigma surrounding him as a problematic player:

I'm going to work hard this season to get those rumors out. You can ask all the players that I've played with. You can ask the coaches. I'm very good in the locker room.

When I'm on the court I got that type of energy where it looks like I'm yelling at somebody. But when I talk to my teammates it amps them and makes them work harder. I want to take that (negative) title off my name because that's not me. I'm a good locker room guy.

Stephenson will have the chance to shed the negative perceptions of his critics as part of the Clippers' rotation next season. However, his role on his new team may differ from his past experiences.

Clippers head coach and president of basketball operations Doc Rivers recently said he envisioned Stephenson as a "utility player," not necessarily a starter.

The New York city product donned No. 1 on his jersey during his time with the Hornets and Indiana Pacers but will wear No. 15 for the upcoming 2015-16 season.

It may be worth noting that No. 15 was worn by rarely utilized forward Hedo Turkoglu this past season - likely indicating the Turkish free agent probably won't return.

The Clippers officially unveiled their new logo and uniform design Wednesday. However, the Clips' new look has been met with overwhelming criticism - something that does not bother team owner Steve Ballmer in the slightest.