Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. Thriving in New Role as Starter
Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Lakers rookie Larry Nance Jr. has steadily proved his value
When Larry Nance Jr. was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, the thought that he would be challenging Julius Randle and Brandon Bass for a starting role would have seemed ridiculous. Now it has become reality, as Nance Jr. was inserted into the starting line up with Randle falling into the second unit, and Bass seeing his minutes disappear entirely.
Although decreasing Randle’s minutes remains a highly questionable decision, Nance Jr. has played quite well since becoming a starter. As a high energy player, his rebounding and defense has helped to balance out some of his teammate’s most glaring weaknesses.
As a defender, Jr. brings the ability to switch onto most players, as well as the athleticism to block shots at the rim after rotating over. These skills, along with his willingness to fight for rebounds on both ends, helps to improve the overall strength of the starting unit on the defensive end.
Nance Jr.’s athleticism has also allowed him to be an exceptional finisher at the rim. Moving well both off the ball and as the screener in the pick and roll, Nance has proven to be one of the Lakers best options for high percentage opportunities. His size and explosiveness have already led to multiple highlight dunks like this one.
And this one:
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This sort of play not only entertains the fans, but can also serve to motivate his teammates. Increased passion and excitement is always beneficial for a team, especially one that has struggled as mightily as the Lakers have so far.
The impact of this rotational shift may also ultimately have a positive impact on Julius Randle‘s development as well. While Nance Jr’s skillset favors off-ball play, Randle does his best work with the ball in his hands.
Playing Nance Jr. with both Kobe Bryant and Lou Williams, the Lakers most ball dominant players, in turn leaves Randle playing with a group in which he is the primary scoring option.
This shift could actually be beneficial for both players, as Nance Jr. has benefited from the attention defenses are forced to give to Bryant and Williams. Randle has simultaneously enjoyed the ability to attack the basket at will while playing with the bench unit.
While Larry Nance Jr. may not be the Lakers long term choice at power forward, his move into the starting role has been fairly successful thus far.
Next: D'Angelo Russell Finally Beginning to Actualize Potential
It appears that the Lakers have found another gem in the athletic young forward, and his increased development may be an important factor in the Lakers rebuilding effort.