Laccase production requires a cost effective boost from host organisms to meet the needs for its numerous applications. Addition of 1.2 g L-1 lignin to media culture of Trametes versicolor improved laccase production up to 1213.93 U L-1, which was 3.69-fold higher in comparison with that without lignin addition. The laccase production of 1009.49 U L-1 was achieved using the lignin-contained hydrolysate from steam-exploded corn stalk in practice. Elucidated mechanism of lignin-stimulated laccase production showed increased production of reactive oxygen species and the copy number of the laccase gene transcript in the treated mycelia. Together these results provide insight into some of the intrinsic metabolic processes involved in the up-regulation of laccase production in the presence of lignin. It also provides a low-cost strategy for the enzyme production from wastes and renewable biomass.