Los Angeles Lakers: How will Lance Stephenson fit in next year?

How he fits

Lance Stephenson should play a solid reserve role and in some instances, be a starter on the big stage in Los Angeles. Stephenson may not start every game, but down the stretch, his ability to keep the crowd in the game and feed off of them should pay dividends on the court.

Given what the Lakers will have in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, they’re gaining a different aspect in Stephenson. He’s a pest on the defensive end and fearless with the basketball in his hands, at times to his own demise.

Stephenson is most known for being the ultimate defender against LeBron James, particularly during postseason play. They’ve built quite the history as opponents and now, they’re teammates. If anything, Stephenson should act an as an extra enforcer on defense with James in the rotation.

He isn’t the worst player to have handle the ball on offense, either. He’s particularly crafty with the ball on the fast break, something the Showtime Lakers are accustomed to being masters of. The Lakers ranked second in the NBA last season in fast break points per game (17.5). That’s not likely to change with the addition of LBJ and company.