Lance Stephenson has always been known as a fighter in the NBA. And this is perhaps the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers signed him up in the first place. Unfortunately, things did not turn out the way the Lakers scripted it, failing to make the playoffs yet again.

Stephenson believed that the Lakers had good chances of making the playoffs. Playing alongside LeBron James was something and there were also other veterans in the mix. With tougher players (mentally), the Lakers thought it would offset their lack of shooters. It turns out that they needed the offensive sock more than the rough and tough players, Lakers Nation reported.

“My goal in the NBA was to make it to the Finals,” said Stephenson to The Athletic. “I was close with the Pacers. You don’t have that many chances of getting there. I felt like this was the one right here.”

Looking ahead, Stephenson is clueless about what the future holds. After signing a one-year deal, it looks like the Lakers will be rebuilding once more. Other vets likely to be let go include JaVale McGee, Tyson Chandler, and Rajon Rondo. It all depends on what Magic Johnson and company decide to do for the 2019-20 NBA season.

And while their expiring contracts can easily explain the exit of the vets, a more pressing matter is whether coach Luke Walton will still be around or not. Throughout the latter part of the season, many were speculating that the 38-year-old would be replaced after the current NBA season is over.

So far the names of Doc Rivers and Jason Kidd have been floated as potential replacements. Rivers, however, has set the records straight and said that he is not going anywhere.

While it is no assurance, the performance of Stephenson could convince the Lakers to bring him back. He is an energy guy that can do things on both ends of the court, something that can fire up his teammates – both the young and old.

If not the Lakers, other teams could sign up the 28-year-old cager. He has shown that he can be an asset off the bench and raise the energy for any team. Regardless, it is likely to be the same one-year deal unless he comes up with a performance to convince that team he is good for keeps.

Stephenson and the Lakers may part ways after a disastrous season. Whether they will still be together for a new run next season is another story.