Lance Stephenson starts at small forward against Golden State

Lance Stephenson

Lance Stephenson/Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Clippers

There has been a lot of talk about who will start at small forward for the Clippers. Basically, it’s been between newcomers Wesley Johnson and Paul Pierce. But another new face – Lance Stephenson – started there Tuesday when the Clippers took on the Golden State Warriors in an exhibition game at Staples Center.

Coach Doc Rivers said pregame this doesn’t mean Stephenson will be the starter. He did explain why he likes him there, though.

“Defensively, he’s good,” Rivers said. “You can put him on 1 through 3, which helps. One of things I didn’t like last year about our team until really late in the second half of the season is that Chris (Paul) had to guard the point guard every night, all night, all game, all season.

“And I think that takes a toll. J.J. (Redick), for the most part, had to guard the 2s. And so did Jamal (Crawford). That’s one of reasons we like Lance is because he can guard multiple positions.”

Stephenson is also a good ball-handler, Rivers noted. Stephenson had two assists in the first six minutes Tuesday.