Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. Welcoming Playing Small-Ball

Larry Nance Jr. is gung-ho about the possibility of playing new positions and new roles with the Lakers under head coach Luke Walton

New looks are going to be a welcomed addition Los Angeles Lakers as Luke Walton begins his first year as head coach. There’s going to be looks for the roster, new looks on the coaching staff, and—most importantly—new looks in regards to the on-court product. It’s the later part and what that could mean that excites forward Larry Nance Jr.

Entering his second season in the NBA and with the Lakers, Nance is currently on the road to recovery before training camp after injuring his wrist in his final game at Las Vegas Summer League. Along that road, though, he spoke with Mike Bresnahan of TWC Sportsnet regarding Walton and the upcoming 2016-17 season.

Nance echoed the same sentiments that many Lakers have about the excitement Walton brings. However, one thing that Nance noted that’s of particular importance to him is the notion of playing small-ball.

Small-ball was a staple of the Golden State Warriors’ lethal attack as they were able to put Draymond Green at the five at times. Though the Lakers don’t have Green, there’s reason to believe that Walton will try to institute at least a similar system. Nance said that idea and the notion of him being able to play multiple positions is exciting. Moreover, he iterated that he’d “love” to play small-ball with this Lakers team.

While the Wyoming product was warm to the idea of playing multiple positions, you have to believe that he’d be best suited staying at the four. Meanwhile, players like Tarik Black or Julius Randle would give better looks at small-ball center.

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Even if Nance would likely play the same position in small-ball lineups, there’s still a lot to love here. He’s already embracing a new coach and the potential for new roles, which is what you want from developing young players. Especially with the need for the Lakers to establish a positive culture, having Nance already be so ready for this changing of the guard has things continuing to look up in LA.