(Sports) Big Gain or Big Risk For Clippers?

Earlier this year, in the 2015 NBA playoffs the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers shocked the world by defeating the defending champions, the San Antonio Spurs in the first round. The victory came in a dramatic fashion as an injured Chris Paul made a game winner while limping. It seemed to be the beggining of a dream season and the playoff run Coach Doc Rivers and the Clipper orginization had been hoping for. However, shortly after there playoff hopes were crushed just as fast as they came to existence when the Clippers gave up 3-1 lead to Houston Rockets. It was apperant changes had to be made.

Last summer, NBA guard Lance Stephenson was considered as one of the best young talents available as he led the league in triple doubles while having have a breakout season with the Indiana Pacers. Stephenson played an intricate role in the Pacers making a succesful second straight trip to the eastern conference finals. Stephenson finished the season averaging 13.8ppg and 4.6 apg making him a high profile target for teams looking for young talent.

The following season the New Orleans Hornets signed Stephenson for a large sum of $27.4 million dollars. Needless to say, the entire Hornet orginazation were expecting great things from Stephenson, instead he delivered the exact opposite averaging only 8.6 ppg and once again having severe problems in the locker room clashing with teamates. Stephenson has had a history of hostility, rule breaking, and bad locker room ettiqute that reaches back to even his college days.

In June of 2015, the Los Angeles Clippers traded overpaid center Spencer Hawes and feisty veteran Matt Barnes in order to acquire Stephenson. A deal that was completely shocking to some and down right obvious to others. The Clippers seem to need help on the perimeter as the conclusion of last season showed an exhausted, fragile Chris Paul. Stephenson joining the Clippers can be the last peice the Los Angeles franchise needs to reach a title. On the other side of the spectrum, Stephenson's history of terrible attitudes and locker room tensions can make the Clippers situation far worse.

Staying focused will have to be key for Lance Stephenson. There is no secret that Stephenson loves to party and takes ample time to have a more than exciting social life. Just last year Stephenson recorded a music video in season to the once ultra popular hip hop song "Hot N----A" by Bobby Schmurda, who is still in jail facing over 20 charges. Will the acquisition of Stephenson help or hurt the Clippers? What do you think? I guess we'll all have to wait until next season to see what exactly manifest.

Check Out Stephenson's rapping skills and his epic battle with Dwayne Wade below: