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Los Angeles Lakers: 2 things to watch upon Larry Nance Jr.’s return

By Michael Dugger

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 2: Larry Nance Jr. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 2: Larry Nance Jr. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images /

Nance immediately returns to starting lineup

One of the early storylines heading into the season was coach Walton’s decision to start Larry Nance Jr. over Julius Randle at the 4 next to Brook Lopez. Nance played well in preseason and training camp, and earned the spot after coming off the bench for the majority of his first two seasons.

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In his absence, upstart rookie Kyle Kuzma started for the Lakers and is currently their leading scorer, but will return to the bench after Luke Walton stated, “If he’s good to go and cleared and ready, I don’t see any reason to not put him back in the starting lineup,” when asked about Nance’s immediate role.

This is no slight on Kuzma, but more of an appreciation of how well Nance plays with Brook Lopez. Despite floor-spacing taking a hit with Nance starting, he and Lopez developed a nice two-man game between one another. Nance isn’t the diverse offensive player that Kuzma is, but he is a better screener at this point, and won’t take too many shots per game, allowing Lopez to receive more touches.

While Nance’s stats won’t raise any eyebrows, he hustles on both sides of the floor and fits well with the starting lineup. He’s aggressive on the boards, and adds another rebounder to a team already fifth in the NBA with 47.0 rebounds per game. He is a better defender than Kuzma at this stage, and shouldn’t lose his spot on injury, especially when considering his play before the hand fracture.

Nance’s return will take away minutes from Kuzma, which may irk some fans, but this shifts Kuzma to the bench and strengthens their second unit, which dipped drastically since Kuzma moved to the starting lineup.

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