Ex-Charlotte Hornets small forward Lance Stephenson looks forward to a break out year being surrounded by a bevy of shooters with his new team, the Los Angeles Clippers.

Hornets Coach Steve Clifford noted that his team's lack of perimeter shooters kept Stephenson from getting enough space to drive into the lanes for layups.

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It practically eliminated one of Stephenson 's primary weapons that made him effective when he was with the Indiana Pacers, the Sydney Morning Herald noted. 

The 24-year-old Stephenson ended up settling for jumpers. 

Last season, Stephenson averaged 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 0.6 steals in 25.8 minutes per game. 

His production dropped drastically from being a borderline All-Star with the Indiana Pacers with his shooting taking much of the hit.

He shot 49.1 percent from the floor and 35.2 percent from beyond the arc in 2013-14 with the Indiana Pacers.

As a Hornet, shooting from the floor dropped  to a dismal 37.6 percent from the floor while posting 17.1 percent at three-point range, which is one of the worst in NBA history among players who made more than a hundred attempts.

Stephenson lamented that while he was a Hornet, he felt it didn't fit well every time he played.

With the Clippers, Stephenson said he wants to be a defensive stopper, knockdown shooter, high-energy teammate and an effective back up to Paul Pierce.

His defensive prowess is considered as an upgrade from the aging Matt Barnes who is now with the on Memphis Grizzlies.

Stephenson said he is very confident to regain his old form, especially with a great coach, great leaders and great veterans that on the team, according to Sports Illustrated. 

He added that he can play alongside Jamal Crawford,  a two-time NBA sixth man of the year awardee who has a ball-dominant style like him. 

Stephenson will receive $9 million for next season but the Clippers have a team option that could put the $9.4 million he is scheduled to get for 2016-17 if things didn't work out as expected. 

Tags Charlotte Hornets, Lance Stephenson, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers