ON PACE NBA star and LeBron James rival who’s earned $36m but was left unemployed makes shock return to G League

The former Los Angeles Laker is returning from playing in Puerto Rico

FORMER Indiana Pacers star Lance Stephenson has prepared to relaunch his NBA career.

Lance, 33, has signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves G League affiliate.

Lance Stephenson is making a surprise return to the NBA Credit: 2022 Getty Images

The former Indiana Pacers star has signed with the Timberwolves G League affiliate Credit: 2022 NBAE

Stephenson infamously blew in LeBron James’ ear during a playoff showdown in 2014
Credit: 2014 NBAE

Stephenson has been out of the NBA since his third stint with the Pacers in 2022.

The 6-foot-5 guard has recently been plying his trade in Puerto Rico but has joined the Iowa Wolves, per Sports Illustrated.

A second-round pick in 2010, Stephenson is a journeyman with 11 seasons experience in the NBA.

However, he has started just 14 games since the 2015/16 season.

A popular fan favorite, Stephenson’s unlikely return has been hailed by Timberwolves fans on social media.

One wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “The league is better when Lance is dancing! Let’s go Iowa wolves.”

Another said: “Take care of our boy. – signed Pacers fans.”

And a third wrote: “This man loves to hoop.”

Stephenson famously blew in the ear of superstar LeBron James during a playoff series against the Miami Heat a decade ago.

He also wore James’ No. 6 jersey during a spell with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.

The 40th overall pick out of Cincinnati for the Pacers in 2010, Stephenson came into the NBA after just one rookie season in college.

It took until his fourth year with the Pacers to show off his potential, averaging 13.8 points per contest as Indiana enjoyed a deep playoff run.

However, his career has stalled somewhat since signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets in 2014.

Stephenson has now been on 10 different rosters in the last 7 years.

Playing for Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico last season, he averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 31.3 minutes per game.

Stephenson has earned an impressive $36,884,399 since entering the league in 2010, per Spotrac.

https://www.the-sun.com/sport/9859261/lance-stephenson-nba-return-unemployed/