Los Angeles Lakers: Top 10 moments from 2017-18 NBA season

5. Larry Nance Jr. puts Kevin Durant on a poster

If the NBA is the most exciting sport in the world (my apologies to curling), then the dunk is the most exciting play in the world. The sheer combination of athleticism, power and pure disrespect causes an involuntary reaction among those watching, driving us from our seats in joy and awe.

Larry Nance Jr. is a purveyor of such excitement, unleashing hammers on defenders who should simply know better than to put up a fight. Against the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant made such a feeble attempt, and was rightfully put on a poster for his troubles.

Nance not only started the possession with a steal, he ended it with a slam. This throw-down over one of the league’s best is an easy candidate for Dunk of the Year. Although the NBA has not yet revealed its finalists, most likely Nance will be competing with the Greek Freak and the King.

To circle back to the Lakers, the greatest loss this season was not one of the 47 this team racked up, it was the loss of Larry Nance Jr. and his highlight reels. Let’s pour one out for Nance as he strives for boring, mundane playoff success out in Cleveland.

Thankfully for Lakers nation, their current roster is not without hope for throw-down highlights. While he does not boast the sheer athleticism of Nance, Lonzo Ball connects precision timing with enough hops to get the job done.

Honest question: If Larry Nance wins Dunk of the Year, does he accept his trophy wearing a purple tie, or a wine-colored one?