Report: Pacers signing Lance Stephenson for rest of season

Lance Stephenson has re-established himself as a fan favorite during his return to Indiana. And luckily for those fans, he's here to stay.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Wednesday night that Stephenson is signing a contract for the rest of the season with the Pacers. Stephenson had been playing on four consecutive 10-day contracts.

Stephenson's most recent stint in Indiana began at the start of the new year, when the team signed him to a 10-day hardship exemption contract as several of its players entered the league's health and safety protocols. He was signed to a second hardship exemption 10 days later, but the Pacers had to convert that to a standard 10-day contract on Jan. 14.

On Jan. 24, Indiana signed Stephenson to a second standard 10-day contract, which would be the last one he could ink this season. That deal expired Wednesday, but as was expected, the Pacers were able to sign him to a deal for the rest of the year.

Stephenson started his career in Indiana after being selected 40th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft out of Cincinnati. He played sparingly early on, but by year four had blossomed into a key contributor for the Pacers during their run to the Eastern Conference Finals. He infamously etched himself into NBA history by blowing air in LeBron James' ear during a stoppage as part of his strategy to get under the Heat star's skin.

After that season, Stephenson signed with the Hornets in free agency. He spent just one year in Charlotte before being traded to the Clippers, and by the end of the season had been flipped to the Grizzlies.

Stephenson signed with the Pelicans before the 2016-17 season, but injuries resulted in his release. He then signed with the Timberwolves, but only lasted for two 10-day deals. He then came back to the Pacers, finishing the year and re-signing for the following season in which he would play all 82 games.

He spent the 2019-20 season with the Lakers, then went overseas to the Chinese Basketball Association for the following year. He started the 2021 season in the G-League before signing a 10-day with the Hawks, and then a week later rejoined the Pacers on the first of his four 10-day contracts.