Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. is Earning a Place in LA’s Young Core

The Lakers have built a talented young core over the past couple of years, but it seems that they may have gotten a surprise newcomer in Larry Nance Jr.

From the minute it was announced that the Lakers had drafted him, Larry Nance Jr. has been a surprise. Most casual fans had not even heard of him, and the fact that the Lakers selected him with players like Montrezl Harrell and R.J. Hunter still on the board was quickly second-guessed.

In the aftermath of the draft, there was hope that Nance Jr. could develop into a hustle player and defender for the Lakers. He had played a similar role in college, despite struggling with injuries and Crohn’s disease.

Since the draft, however, Larry Nance Jr. has surprised fans in a whole different way. First were the shocking reports of his athleticism, with a vertical reaching 44 inches during his workout with the Lakers.  This level of athleticism is almost unheard for a player of Nance Jr.’s size. As a 6’9 forward with a wingspan of more than seven feet, Nance Jr. has the size to take full advantage of his leaping ability.

The fact that the Lakers recognized his athleticism is a testament to their scouting. Nance Jr.’s Draft Combine scores lists his vertical jump at a less impressive 37 inches, but players were only allowed to jump off both feet. When the Lakers allowed Nance Jr. to jump off one foot, his measurements shot up to between 44-46 inches.

Then came the summer league, in which Nance Jr. won over more fans with several vicious blocks against Jahlil Okafor. However, he struggled on offense in the summer league, reinforcing fans ideas that he would be a defensive specialist and energy player.

His full potential wasn’t displayed until the Summer League where he showed a reliable jumper, even stepping out behind the three-point line a few times. His true breakout moment came in a game against the Warriors, when Nance Jr. had the play of the preseason with a dunk on Golden State Warrior’s center, Festus Ezeli.

Nance Jr.’s impact on the floor goes far beyond his highlights however, as his hustle and energy may still be his greatest assets. With good length and great athleticism, Nance Jr. has shown the ability to impact the game through rebounding, and can also play effective defense.

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A solid 6’9 player, he can guard the post effectively, but also possesses the speed and quickness to guard perimeter players. His athleticism also allows to block shots at times. As his jump shot continues to improve it will be interesting to see if the Lakers begin to use him at the three at times.

So far this season Larry Nance Jr. has carried the momentum he built in the preseason into the regular season. After not playing in the first few games, Nance Jr. has earned himself a spot in the rotation, and has played quite well. A consistently strong rebounder, the young forward has helped the Lakers greatly in that area since he’s started playing regularly.

The Lakers can use all the young talent they can get, and Nance Jr. is showing he has plenty of talent

Nance Jr. also showed off his offensive arsenal in the game against the Orlando Magic. In that game, the Lakers first round pick shot 6-6, while scoring in a variety of ways. Nance Jr. hit a three in the game, as well as finishing a lob and demonstrating an impressively strong drive.

It’s become clear that Nance Jr.’s upside was vastly underestimated. The offensive game he has shown this season, coupled with truly elite athleticism, raises his ceiling far beyond the hustle player he was initially projected to be. If Nance Jr. continues to develop, he has a chance to be a special player in this league, one who can impact the game on both sides of the floor.

Larry Nance Jr. has shown potential on both ends of the court, and may be breaking out for the Lakers in a similar way to Jordan Clarkson last year. The Lakers can use all the young talent they can get, and Nance Jr. is showing he has plenty. With strong play and effort, Larry Nance Jr. is proving he has what it takes to be a core player on the Lakers far into the future.

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Do you think Larry Nance Jr. has a future with the Lakers? Let us know in the comments below.