Lance Stephenson
A mercurial and entertaining guard whose infamous ear-blowing incident became an unforgettable part of NBA playoff lore.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: September 5·Millennials
Biography
Lance Stephenson emerged from the famed Coney Island courts, a playground legend whose flair and confidence translated to a compelling, if unpredictable, professional journey. A New York high school phenom, he brought his unique brand of showmanship to the Indiana Pacers, becoming a key, energetic piece for teams that challenged LeBron James's Miami Heat. Stephenson's game was a blend of powerful drives, inventive passing, and relentless defense, all underscored by a theatricality that could ignite his team or tip into controversy. While his career has been a globe-trotting saga of highs and returns, his identity is forever linked to a single, bizarre moment: blowing in LeBron James's ear during the 2014 playoffs, an act that perfectly captured his role as an NBA provocateur.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lance was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lance Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Lance's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a crucial role for the Indiana Pacers teams that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014.
- Led the NBA in triple-doubles during the 2013-14 season with five.
- Named Mr. New York Basketball after his senior year at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn.
Did You Know?
He released a song called 'Dance (Like Lance)' during his time with the Pacers.
He is known for playing guitar celebration after made three-pointers, miming strumming an air guitar.
He played for the Liaoning Flying Leopards in China, where he was a fan favorite and All-Star.
“I just play with a lot of heart. I don't know any other way.”
