He's Baaaack. Lance Stephenson Signs Hardship Deal To Return to NBA

Since the season began, his goal has been to get another chance in the NBA. Former Indiana Pacer and Los Angeles Laker Lance Stephenson has been showcasing himself in the G League, and now is signing a 10-day "hardship" contract with the Atlanta Hawks, according to insider Marc Stein. 

BREAKING: Lance Stephenson is being called up to the Atlanta Hawks per @thesteinline⁣⁣
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The NBA got an entertaining player back 😂🙏 pic.twitter.com/ArfeOnyXIp

— Statline - Basketball & NBA News (@statline_) December 21, 2021

Stephenson, known as much for his entertaining antics on the court as his varied skills, has been out of the league for nearly three years, since he teamed with his sometimes nemesis LeBron James in LA back in 2018-19. 

He held a tryout for several teams earlier this fall, then joined the G League's Grand Rapids Gold, where he recently put up an impressive triple-double. 

Stephenson is a 9-year NBA veteran, with career averages of 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists. 

The Hawks have just added two more players to COVID health and safety protocols on Tuesday, joining Trae Young, thus leading to the urgent need to bring in fresh players. They've also added G League forward Malcolm Hill on a hardship signing. 

The Brooklyn Nets have 10 players out under the protocols, the Cleveland Cavaliers 7, the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings 6 each, and the list goes on. We'll be seeing plenty more "hardship" contracts in the coming days. 

No word yet if Stephenson will be ready to suit it up for the Hawks when they host a depleted Knicks squad in the NBA's scheduled Christmas Day opener.