Lance Stephenson/Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Clippers

When Lance Stephenson was acquired during the off-season, hopes were high for him bringing a lot to the team. At times, he has. But he hasn’t done well enough for coach Doc Rivers to keep him in his regular rotation, so it’s been a hit-and-miss situation.

Stephenson was a hit in Friday’s 105-93 victory over the Lakers. He scored 16 points on 6 of 7 shooting and also had five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a blocked shot in 22 1/2 minutes off the bench.

Stephenson had an incredible dunk over Lakers power forward Julius Randle midway through the fourth quarter that brought the house down. Interestingly, he was the backup power forward in this game, a position the 6-foot-5 shooting guard/small forward had never played.

“Lance is great,” Rivers said. “He played with great energy. He had never played the 4. Every night we ask someone to play a different position and they are starting to like it. They laugh about it. Lance is guarding Randle (who is 6-foot-9). They think it is funny, I do not think it is that funny actually, but it is working for us.

“It is energy that they (the second unit) are all bringing when they come in. I like his (Stephenson’s) spirit.”

Stephenson’s energy is never-ending. And he’s always smiling out there, like he’s having more fun than anyone else.

“I come in early and meet with the coaches,” he said. “Of course, I go on the treadmill and stay in shape. I just try to be ready and learn as much as possible.”