NBA free agency rumors: Lance Stephenson joining LeBron James with Lakers

Lance Stephenson is joining the Lakers.

The 27-year-old has agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with Los Angeles, according to a report from ESPN. Stephenson averaged 9.2 points per game on the Pacers last season.

Sources: It’s a one-year, $4.5 million deal. https://t.co/DUcYC4EDNo

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2018

Stephenson unexpectedly became an unrestricted free agent last week when the Pacers declined his $4.3 million team option.

LeBron James also announced Sunday he was signing with the Lakers. The pair has had a history of notable exchanges, most memorably in the 2014 playoffs, when Stephenson was with the Pacers and James played for the Heat.

Stephenson’s best season came in 2013-14 with Indiana when he averaged 13.8 points per game and shot 35.2 percent from 3-point range.

The Lakers will be Stephenson’s seventh NBA team. He previously played in Los Angeles with the Clippers in 2015-16.

James will be signing a four-year, $154 million contract with Los Angeles. The Lakers also inked Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one-year deal Sunday.

Los Angeles is also pursuing a potential trade for Kawhi Leonard and has spoken with free agent center DeMarcus Cousins, according to multiple reports.