Lake Show Life
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Lakers: Larry Nance Jr.’s Consistency Sets Him Apart

By Hannah Kulik

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Larry Nance Jr. has been a reliable option for a Lakers team craving just that

The Los Angeles Lakers were criticized last summer when they used the 27th pick of the 2015 NBA Draft to select Larry Nance Jr. There were other higher profile players still on the board at the time, and questions were raised whether the team had squandered a valuable first round choice. In this instance, the Lakers appear to have proven everyone wrong.

No one could have predicted that, a third of the way through the season, Nance would be in the starting lineup while D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle would be reserves. The Lakers’ third rookie, Anthony Brown, was projected to be drafted higher than Nance and he has hardly played at all. While Russell, Randle, and Jordan Clarkson are believed to be the future of the franchise, they continue to have their ups and downs while Nance keeps plugging away night after night, consistently making a valuable contribution.

In the Lakers’ most recent contest, their second blowout loss to the Houston Rockets in the past week, the team reverted to its season-long pattern of getting off to a slow start and falling behind by double-digits early; the game was essentially over by the end of the first quarter. Nance, however, had perhaps his best individual game of the season, while Russell, Clarkson, and Randle struggled. Nance played 28 minutes while scoring 11 points on 5-8 shooting, with five rebounds and a lot of good defense.

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Byron Scott has indicated that he might tinker with the rotation again before the end of the month. The upcoming schedule includes two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as contests against the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzles, and Denver Nuggets. It can be expected that the Lakers’ record will likely fall to 4-29 by late December. At that point, it is anyone’s guess what Scott might do with the rotation.

Still, one can predict with reasonable confidence that Nance will remain in the mix no matter what. He seems to be a Scott favorite. Scott often comments that he appreciates Nance’s consistency, hard-nosed defense, and the fact that he plays under control, never trying to play beyond his current skill set.

Aside from the return of Kobe Bryant, Nance is perhaps the feel-good story of the year for the Lakers. The son of former NBA star Larry Nance, Sr., he was born and raised in Akron, Ohio and later attended the University of Wyoming where he was a four year star known primarily for his strong defense. He had to overcome serious challenges, losing one season due to a serious injury, and also chronically suffers from Crohn’s Disease.

When Nance worked out for the Lakers this past summer, the team was impressed with his vertical leaping ability. Indeed, since joining the team, he has filled a highlight reel with his monster dunks that have made him a fan-favorite. Combined with his defensive prowess, his hustle, and his work on the boards, if he could develop a consistent mid-range jump shot, Nance should have a good, long NBA career. Especially with his impressive size and strength at 6-9, 230 pounds.

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Another thing that is immediately noticeable about Nance whenever he is interviewed is how modest and polite he is and the depths of his appreciation just for being in the NBA. He flew under the radar in college and continues to do so with the Lakers amidst the countless other distractions. Nance just goes out and does his part every night and he ordinarily impacts the game in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.

When the season started, Nance was part of a crowded field of power forwards in Los Angeles. At least for the moment, he has ridden to the top of that competition by assuming the starting role. At some point, Randle is expected to reclaim the starter’s position (if he doesn’t, the Lakers are in deep trouble for the future). Still, whether Nance starts or comes off the bench, it is likely that he has secured a position for himself in the regular rotation where we can all count on his steady, dependable contributions.

In a season that has been filled with lowlights for the Lakers, the play of Nance has been one of the few bright spots. It is still early, but it should be fun for fans to watch his development as he gains more experience over the next few months.

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