Lance Stephenson's doing his best Charles Barkley impression ... telling TMZ Sports his message to young hoopers is simple -- do NOT consider him a role model.

We caught up with the NBA vet-turned-BIG3 baller at LAX on Monday ... and had to ask about his recent on-court altercation that resulted in a suspension from Ice Cube's organization.

For those who missed it, Stephenson threw hands in a chippy moment between the LA Riot and Miami 305 ... which forced a forfeit after he was ejected from the contest, as his squad ran out of players.

Stephenson said the punishment was "definitely fair" ... but he's now focused on the task at hand -- winning a championship.

Getty

Stephenson was always known for his knack of getting under an opponent's skin ... but he's hoping kids don't follow his lead with his latest scraps.

"All the young players -- don't follow what I've just been doing. It's all about having fun and enjoying the game," Stephenson told us.

Getty

Stephenson said he's gonna listen to his own words after a "couple of mistakes" ... and has high hopes for his team moving forward.

We also asked about the rumors LeBron James could join Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors -- his response might surprise you!!

#### NBA's Malik Beasley Indicted On Gambling Charges

#### Chris Carr Says It's A 'Dream Come True' To See Son Get Drafted By Lakers

#### Dwyane Wade's Son Zaire Arrested For Felony Domestic Violence

#### New York Knicks to Steal the Show On Nick Cannon's 'Wild N' Out'

Charles Barkley Lance Stephenson LeBron James Stephen Curry Ice Cube Golden State Warriors Sports TMZ Sports NBA Exclusive

Read our community guidelines for comments on TMZ

MORE FOR YOU

[Tuesday: IRS Forgives Millions In Tax Debt Before June 30th Tax Deadline Fresh Start Information - Sponsored Sponsored Learn More](https://freshstartinfo.org/february-tax-relief-deadline "Tuesday: IRS Forgives Millions In Tax Debt Before June 30th Tax Deadline")

Undo

[Three North Charleston Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the List SavingsPro - Sponsored Sponsored](https://savingspro.org/savings-rates "Three North Charleston Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the List")

Undo

[LeafFilter Sale: 50% Off Installation LeafFilter Gutter Protection - Sponsored Sponsored Learn More](https://www.leaffilter.com/demand-gen/taboola-promo "LeafFilter Sale: 50% Off Installation")

Undo

[2026 - IRS Forgives Millions By June 30th Tax Deadline Fresh Start Information - Sponsored Sponsored Apply Now](https://freshstartinfo.org/april-15th-tax-relief-deadline "2026 - IRS Forgives Millions By June 30th Tax Deadline")

Undo

[Record High CD Rates Have People Switching to These Banks (See The List)SavingsPro - Sponsored Sponsored Get Now](https://savingspro.org/best-cd-rates "Record High CD Rates Have People Switching to These Banks (See The List)")

Undo

[Edema Is Not From Salty Food. Meet The Real Enemy Of Swollen Legs RejuvaCare - Sponsored Sponsored](https://ad.rejuvacare.com/575625a1-6abc-4d72-a853-fbc78ade189c "Edema Is Not From Salty Food. Meet The Real Enemy Of Swollen Legs")

Undo

[Motley Fool Issues Rare “Total Conviction” Buy Alert The Motley Fool - Sponsored Sponsored Learn More](https://www.fool.com/mms/mark/a-sa-dd-total-conviction "Motley Fool Issues Rare “Total Conviction” Buy Alert")

Undo

[The Ideal Ultra-Comfortable Bra for Older Women Postureva Comfort - Sponsored Sponsored](https://sotrends.com/postureva-us "The Ideal Ultra-Comfortable Bra for Older Women")

Undo

ABOUT TMZ

CONTACT TMZ

Yes! Send me email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Subscribe to TMZ newsletter Subscribe

Lance Stephenson Gives Advice To Young Players, Don't Do What I Do!

Shows

Download The App

Lance Stephenson Gives Advice To Young Players, Don't Do What I Do!

Lance Stephenson Advice To Young Hoopers Don't Follow What I've Been Doing!!!

Related articles

Most Popular

ABOUT TMZ

CONTACT TMZ

SUBSCRIBE

FOLLOW

TMZ APPS

We Care About Your Privacy

How and why we process data