Los Angeles Lakers: Bold Predictions For 2016-17 Season

Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (left) after making a shot during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

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January 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) dunks to score a basket against Golden State Warriors during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Larry Nance Jr. Emerges As Team’s Sixth Man, Energy Guy

Don’t be mistaken: sophomore forward Larry Nance Jr. is good for much more than an emphatic slam every now and then.

The son of the first Slam Dunk Contest champion has all the tools to be a deadly Swiss Army Knife for the Lakers and now, he’s got just the coach to bring them out.

Under Byron Scott, Nance was used sparingly as a spark plug off of the bench who thrived in fast break situations and the occasional pick-and-roll. With Walton looking to run and spread the floor, Nance will be getting more opportunities to rock the rim in transition — but he’ll also get to showcase his well-rounded skill set.

In Vegas, Nance did a little bit of everything for the Lakers, averaging 9.0 points and 7.8 board per game while serving as their primary defensive stopper with 2.8 steals and 1.8 blocks a night. The sophomore forward’s combination of size, athleticism and versatility likens him to a more athletic, poor man’s version of Draymond Green, a skill set that Walton is familiar with and knows how to use.

Even with veterans like Williams and possibly Deng coming off the bench in Los Angeles, look for Nance to emerge as the team’s go-to reserve and bring that versatility and energy.

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