To the dismay of fans everywhere, Lakers rookie, Larry Nance Jr will not be competing in this year’s dunk contest
During this abysmal season, one of the things that has helped fans cope was Larry Nance Jr‘s high flying acrobatics and poster dunks. Fans held the hope that even if this season was lost, at least they might have a chance to win the dunk contest come All Star weekend.
But that hope has since been lost as LNJ recently revealed that he would not be participating in the dunk contest on the advice of the Lakers training staff.
Per ESPN, “the Lakers’ training staff ultimately advised Nance against taking part in this year’s contest because of the continuous soreness in his right knee that has sidelined him for the past four games.”
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Nance went on to say, “They do a terrific job of watching out for us… and I don’t want to irritate that or step on any toes or do anything that would be detrimental to my career.”
Further, “This year might not be in the cards, per request, but it’s still something I personally would love to do in the near future. Next year, if wanted me, I would love to.”
With each new anecdote, Larry Nance Jr continues to bolster his reputation for truly being a team first player, which is likely the reason Byron Scott opted to throw him into the starting line up over his foil, Julius Randle.
Nance looks to return to the lineup Tuesday night as the Lakers take on the Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles and continue his solid play.
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In his absence, the Lakers have been in a slump, losing six straight games, so could Larry Nance Jr be part of a solution? It’ll be an interesting side story to monitor Tuesday night.