Lance Stephenson joins the Jim Rome show to discuss his NBA return and bond with Pacers’ fans

On Jan. 13, 2022, one day after signing his second 10-day contract with the Indiana Pacers, Lance Stephenson joined the Jim Rome show to discuss his NBA return.

Lance Stephenson talked about his performance in his third stint with the Indiana Pacers and his special bond with the fanbase. Here is a look at what Lance had to say on the show.

Stephenson was making the rounds, getting attention from media outlets as he thrives in a fresh start with his Indiana Pacers.

Averaging 17.3 points per game, 8.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game when he plays in front of the home crowd, he has been a blast to watch.

It was because of his historic 20-point first quarter off the bench and career-high passing numbers that reminded everyone about the energy that comes with Lance in a Pacers’ uniform.

Stephenson was asked if he thought he was playing some of the best basketball of his career by the host of the show, Jim Rome.

"“I feel like I’m very comfortable, and it is all about communication with the coaches and teammates, knowing when they’re going to be open and when they are going to shoot. I feel like I learned that within three days of being around these guys.I feel like these guys just want to win and work hard, so when I came in I talked to the coach and he told me what he needs from me. I learned the plays as quickly as possible, watched a lot of film. When you do stuff like that, the game will come easier.I feel like when I got to the Pacers, our communication skills were on point”, Stephenson said."

Lance played with both Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis in his previous stint with the team in the 2017-18 season. There has certainly been obvious chemistry showing on the court for both Sabonis and Stephenson.

In the last Pacers’ win, the duo each had career scoring nights of their own – Lance scoring career-high 14 assists and Sabonis a career-high 42 points.

Before making his NBA return, missing two seasons, Lance made his way overseas to play in China, then back to the NBA G-League prior to his return to the NBA.

Jim Rome noted that very few guys of Lance’s stature would take that route after so many years of competing at the NBA level.

"“I’ll play basketball anywhere. It doesn’t matter where I am playing, I had a mission to get back to the NBA. Going to the G-League… I took it as, I was sitting on the couch, just working out.I wasn’t in that game speed shape. It takes a lot, the G-League got me back to getting in shape, getting me going up and down, and playing professional basketball again. I feel like I needed to go that route to get to where I am at right now”, Stephenson said."

Lance played for the Denver Nuggets’ G-League affiliate, Grand Rapids Gold before being signed to his first 10-day hardship contract by the Atlanta Hawks. Stephenson shared the court with former All-Star Isaiah Thomas in his stint with the Gold.

Stephenson’s connection to Indiana has always been special. He has played in big games with this franchise and the bond between the team and Lance is special.

The two have a similar personality, says Stephenson.

"“It is like family. They’ve seen me grow here, watch me become the player that I am now. They just love that hard and aggressive basketball and that passion – willing to do anything to win.I felt like we connected in that way because Indiana is all about grinding, being an underdog, and doing the dirty work to win games. We just fell in love with each other through the years (because of) that passion of basketball”."

Fun fact: Lance is now in his seventh season as a member of the Indiana Pacers, which means Myles Turner has been a member of the Pacers for the same amount of time as Lance. They both have played seven seasons for Indiana.

Lance is looking to finish the year in a Pacers uniform, not just another 10-day contract. According to NBA correspondent Marc Stein, the Indiana Pacers are expected to sign Lance Stephenson for the remainder of the season after his 10-day contract ends Monday.

We will see Stephenson next when the Pacers take on the Pheonix Suns at home this Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.