Lance Stephenson: 'Goal Is to' Sign NBA Contract for Playoff Run After G League Stint

Lance Stephenson has been out of the NBA for the last season and a half, but the 10-year veteran is looking to get back to the league as he plays at a lower level.

Stephenson, 33, has spent the 2023-24 season playing for the G League's Iowa Wolves—the affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Playing in the G League has given him the chance to help young players develop, but he ultimately is looking to find his way back to an NBA roster, per HoopsHype's Sam Yip.

"My mentality coming into the G League was to actually help the young guys get better," Stephenson said. "Show them all the things I learned as being a vet. Trying to show them the ropes, telling them what it's like, showing them how to play defense, showing them how to get to the hole, learning the game as quickly as possible. But, my goal is to get back up there with NBA teams. I'm actually going hard, trying to win games, and just trying to have fun out there."

Stephenson has had 18 appearances this season, putting up 14.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. The Wolves are 6-15 on the year.

Before joining the Wolves, Stephenson spent a season playing in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league in Puerto Rico. He last played in the NBA in the 2021-22 campaign, when he averaged 9.3 points per game with the Indiana Pacers.

As hard as it is to make an NBA comeback, Stephenson is certainly capable. The former second-round draft pick made a name for himself as a valuable option off the bench for 10 years and while he has faced his share of setbacks, he's looking to prove he can still be productive.