Watch: Memphis’ Lance Stephenson Attempts Layup While Falling to the Floor

Lance Stephenson (C) of the Memphis Grizzlies scored eight points in the team's 128–119 win over the Lakers on Feb. 24. (Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

By Dave Martin

Dave Martin

Dave Martin is a New-York based writer as well as editor. He is the sports editor for the Epoch Times and is a consultant to private writers.

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February 25, 2016Updated: February 27, 2016

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New Memphis forward Lance Stephenson has been trying to make a good impression with his new team since being acquired by the Grizzlies in a deal with the Clippers of Feb. 18. But maybe he’s trying too hard.

In a clip that’s sure to be included in any NBA blooper reels, Stephenson loses his footing (and nearly the ball) on his way to the hoop Wednesday night in a game against the Lakers, but still decides to attempt the layup—while falling to the floor—and it doesn’t turn out well. Watch the replay here:

Lance Stephenson attempted the most complicated missed layup. https://t.co/w4mzyEOPDu https://t.co/lG1SlEIk1q

— SB Nation (@SBNation) February 25, 2016

Naturally, plenty of people on Twitter have had some fun at his expense:

Lance Stephenson made this layup look like the best/worst Mario Kart race ever.https://t.co/BtMU9Z7q3k

— SB Nation (@SBNation) February 25, 2016

VIDEO: Lance Stephenson tried taking on 5 Lakers at once, and ended up shattering his own ankles:https://t.co/pVybk2B3pj

— NOTSportsCenter™ (@NOTSportsCenter) February 25, 2016

Lance Stephenson weaves his way through Lakers traffic but can’t quite find the net. https://t.co/V5xq9rKjfN

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 25, 2016

Fortunately, Stephenson and the Grizzlies held on for a 128–119 win. Stephenson, in just his second game with Memphis scored eight points in 23 minutes of play.

How much of an impact he has with the Grizzlies is yet to be seen, but when he plays in the right system he’s actually a good player.

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The former Cincinnati Bearcat was Indiana’s second-round pick (40th overall) in the 2010 NBA Draft. After coming off the bench his first two seasons, he cracked the starting lineup in the 2012–13 season. The next year, he had his best year ever averaging 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, while shooting 49 percent from the floor.

He was instrumental in leading the Pacers to the conference finals in both 2013 and 2014, but the team fell to LeBron James and the Miami Heat both times.

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Following the 2014 season, the Charlotte Hornets outbid the Pacers for Stephenson’s services and signed the 6-foot-5-inch forward to a three-year deal worth $27.4 million.

But halfway through the deal, Stephenson has already been traded twice while averaging just 6.9 points per contest in 106 games, while making just 35 starts.