Lance Stephenson rumors: Bulls, Celtics, Lakers not in serious pursuit

Indiana Pacers’ guard Lance Stephenson is one of the more intriguing free agents in the 2014 offseason. No one can deny Stephenson’s talent, but his issues both on and off the court have definitely caused concern around the league.

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The Pacers, however, still offered Stephenson a big money deal, but Stephenson turned down the five-year, $44 million contract the Pacers offered. Now that LeBron James has chosen to leave the Miami Heat in favor of a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Carmelo Anthony is reportedly re-signing with the Knicks, the Pacers’ biggest competition to keep Stephenson are the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks.

Sean Deveney of Sporting News reports the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers have not been in serious pursuit of Stephenson.

"According to the source, the remaining serious suitors for Stephenson are expected to be Charlotte, Dallas — if and when the Rockets match the Mavs’ offer sheet for Chandler Parsons — and Indiana. Several teams mentioned in connection with Stephenson, including Boston, Chicago and the Lakers, have not been serious in their pursuit, the source said, while others could register late interest."

Stephenson averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game this season while shooting 49.1% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc and 71.1% from the charity stripe in the regular season. In the postseason, he put up 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 45.5% from the field, 35.8% from downtown and 71.4% from the free throw line. In his four-year career, he has averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field, 32.5% from three and 71.1% from the free throw line.

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