Los Angeles Lakers: Why the team needs to keep Larry Nance Jr.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to keep forward Larry Nance Jr. on the roster, not look to trade him.
In recent weeks, there have been a lot of rumors about which Los Angeles Lakers could be on the move with the trade deadline quickly approaching. With Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle openly on the trade block, another name floating around is Larry Nance Jr.
In only his second season, Nance Jr. is growing into a solid forward for this team. His ability to run the floor, grab rebounds, and his freakish athleticism are just three reasons why the Lakers should think harder about holding onto him and not trading him.
After missing games early this season, Nance Jr. has played well upon his return. He is averaging 8.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, but the versatility he brings is crucial. His ability to play both power forward and center make him even more valuable to this Lakers team.
If traded what would the Lakers get in return?
If the Lakers do decide to trade Nance Jr. they will need to get something valuable from another team. Not having a first-round pick this year, the Lakers are bound to be shopping Nance Jr. in hopes of getting a pick or an expiring contract.
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With the Lakers wanting to create cap space to sign a superstar this summer, getting rid of Nance Jr. could help them create that space. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his staff see how important he is to the team and keep him in LA.
In Thursday night’s win over the San Antonio Spurs, Nance Jr. had arguably his best game of the season, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. When he plays at that level he makes the team even more dangerous.
After the wine, even head coach Luke Walton noticed Nance’s great play and called him the MVP of the win over San Antonio.
Both offensively and defensively, Nance Jr. brings a lot of energy and match-up problems for the opposing teams.
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Hopefully, he comes to play like he did against the Spurs. Look for Nance to keep up this play going forward proving exactly why the Lakers need to keep him.