Jan 8, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (6) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Ex-Lakers Champion's Fight With Lance Stephenson Goes Viral

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Matt Guzman | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 6:24 PM ET

After a brief stint overseas, former New Orleans Pelicans guard Lance Stephenson made his way back into American headlines after an altercation with Dwight Howard went viral on Saturday.

Howard, who plays for BIG3's LA Riot, pushed Stephenson, who plays for Miami 305 and the two grapped with each other in an exchange that bled into the crowd. Both players were swiftly ejected.

Lance Stephenson and Dwight Howard go at it

(h/t @Adriel_Smiley)pic.twitter.com/CQyHKcyy4A
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 14, 2025

Stephenson played 10 years in the NBA from 2010 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022 with the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks.

He averaged 8.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists throughout the course of his career, and never earned a postseason award or distinction.

LANCE STEPHENSON VS. DWIGHT HOWARD FIGHT.

(h/t @redapples)

pic.twitter.com/nqSeu7Ft9R
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 14, 2025

In a recent interview, Ice Cube spoke on the unique culture of his league, which — to a point — perpetuates such clamor. To that end, perhaps Stephenson and Howard weren't too out of line.

"That's the beautiful thing about the league," Ice Cube said. "You get to see people like Dr. J, Nancy Lieberaman back in the heat of battle, back wanting to win a game. They can't play but they can coach their teams. They can show their passion. They can definitely scream at the refs."

At the same time, perhaps the pair of old stars took it too far when the crowd got involved.

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This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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