Hoops Habit
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. An Intriguing Selection

By Chris Walton

Jan 10, 2015; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) dunks against the Boise State Broncos during the first half at Arena-Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sport
Jan 10, 2015; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) dunks against the Boise State Broncos during the first half at Arena-Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sport /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Los Angeles Lakers shook up the NBA Draft by passing on big man Jahlil Okafor, and taking D’Angelo Russell at No. 2 to usher in their future.

Sticking to trend of dynamic guard play in the NBA, the team seems to be moving towards going up-tempo. Adding Russell to Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson means more athleticism and versatility. The team was not done building the foundation of scoring and flexibility on offense. This time around, they added a name that not many are familiar with, but it certainly looks like he’s got game.

ALSO ON HOOPSHABIT: The NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of All-Time

Larry Nance, Jr., son of former NBA star Larry Nance, was taken with the Lakers’ 27th selection. A 6’8″ forward with a 7’2″ wingspan, he is an energy player with a knack for finding the ball on both ends. Surprisingly, he was taken in the first round despite questions about his polish and shooting.

Strong workouts prior to the draft led to his name being called on Thursday night. Nance makes his way to Los Angeles where there does seem to be a logjam in the frontcourt. The team could look to trade a player like Ryan Kelly, and it looks as if Jordan Hill won’t return next season.

Just under less than a week ago, Nance worked out for the Lakers as a potential prospect in the first round. While there, he spoke with LA Times reporter Broderick Turner about what he could bring to the team:

"“I would say my basketball IQ, high motor,” he said. “That’s what I’m really trying to show in these workouts.”"

Mitch Kupchak and company seemed to have walked away with trust in Nance’s tools.

After four years at the University of Wyoming, he’s looking to come in and contribute right away to the Lakers. His numbers were very impressive:

Nance had quite a bit of individual success playing in the Mountain West Conference. He was featured on the Defensive and All-Conference First Team. He also shared the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Wyoming made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 13 years. Nance led the team there after capturing a conference title.

The offensive skillset that Nance brings to the NBA is going to be extremely useful for the Lakers. At Wyoming, he used a bevy of athleticism to attack above the rim. Along with his rim-rocking, he showed the ability to be a solid pick and pop shooter.

According to DraftExpress.com, he made 50.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot attempts, along with 46.9 percent of a total of 49 attempts. With both Russell and Clarkson being comfortable in the pick and roll, Nance brings them the type of player needed in this offense.

Nance’s highlights certainly show his complete package:

Nance was not the most ideal player to get taken this high, but given the Lakers’ track record of trusting their scouts; the team could have a gem. Nance isn’t likely to be the star that many expect Russell to be, but his contributions could certainly get the team back on track.

All they ask is for him to bring his hard-nose style of basketball and motor. Looking at the recent NBA champions (San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors), they featured those kinds of players. Hopefully Los Angeles can duplicate that kind of success.

Next: 5 Potential Steals In The 2015 NBA Draft

More from Hoops Habit

Home/Los Angeles Lakers