Lance Stephenson is set to explore the free agent market and find out just how much he is worth to other teams. The guard's stock was high after the 2012-13 season, but has since plummeted thanks to some on-the-court maturity issues that overshadowed any stats he put up last season. That has caused his offer from the Indiana Pacers to be much lower than Stephenson expected and now he is hoping someone else gives him something better.
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are very interested in signing Stephenson, but only if they miss out on the other marquee free agents first. Both the Lakers and Mavericks are trying to remain in the mix for Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, recruiting both players extremely hard. However, while the Lakers are still in the mix, it looks like the Mavericks might miss out on both options, leaving them to go to a plan B in free agency.
Broussard continues his report saying that along with Stephenson, the Mavericks are hoping to sign Chandler Parsons away from the Houston Rockets. Dallas already has Tyson Chandler acquired via a trade. The also got Dirk Nowitzki under contract for what will likely be the final years of his career. Now they are targeting playmakers like Stephenson and Parsons. Their pursuit of the two free agents will be easier said than done.
Stephenson has already turned down a contract from the Indiana Pacers worth five years and $44 million. Team president Larry Bird has remained adamant that it is a fair deal for the guard and it is likely the Pacers will not back down from that contract. The Lakers and Mavericks cannot offer much more meaning Stephenson really needs to decide what he wants.
The Rockets intend to keep Parsons on the roster, especially if they do not land Anthony and James. The forward is getting some attention on the open market meaning the Rockets will have competition to retain him. They have the money to match any offer placed on Parsons so the Mavericks might not be able to land him.
If the Mavericks fail to land a big free agent, it will be the third season that Mark Cuban cannot lockdown one of the biggest names on the market. The Lakers stand a chance at getting someone. They are considered a "finalist" for Anthony and could still sign James if he starts making the team rounds.