Los Angeles Lakers 2016-17 Regular Season Team Awards

Sixth Man Of The Year: Larry Nance Jr.

There were a number of players that could have taken home this award. Had Lou Williams not been traded, he would have won this award easily. Jordan Clarkson could have taken it home, but he was moved into the starting lineup after the trade deadline, starting 19 games in total. Based on that, Larry Nance Jr. takes home the Sixth Man of the Year award for the Lakers.

Nance Jr. has been a solid rotational player for the Lakers off the bench. He has shown an ability to play both forward spots thus far in his career, even masquerading as a center in some small-ball lineups.

This season Nance improved his numbers across the board from his rookie season. He averaged 7.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 22.9 minutes per game. Nance is excited by the future after his exit meeting, saying the sky is the limit for him and his teammates.

Nance Jr. would like to be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year in 2017-18. He has the tools to be in the conversation, as he has the size and athleticism to rack up defensive stats. He already is a good rebounder, and his versatility is not easy to come by.

Nance Jr. is another second round pick that the Lakers have to be happy about. He has developed into a rotation player already and looks poised to continue improving.