Los Angeles Lakers rookie Larry Nance Jr. has been enjoying an extremely productive season, but he has dealt recently with an ongoing knee issue. Nance was shut down going into the All-Star Break and now that he has returned, he will be limited in both minutes and games.
Head coach Byron Scott has said that Nance will not play back-to-backs, so that they can keep him fresh and not aggravate his knee injury.
Nance enjoyed a good outing against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, nearly notching a double-double, and spoke about how he is feeling despite his ongoing injury issues via Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles:
Larry Nance Jr: "I feel great. I've been feeling great, and I know the decision to sit me out on back to backs is to keep me feeling great."
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) March 5, 2016
Nance’s knee was obviously feeling great as he rose up for a huge dunk over two Hawks defenders and he discussed that play:
“It was one of the few times I’ve gotten to the post this year so I figured I might try to take advantage of it. Millsap was playing tight on me so I just ripped past him and knew I could get the step on him and had a free lane to the basket.”
Highlight plays have been something Nance has been synonymous with this season and this play against the Hawks is another one to add to the reel. The more important thing going forward obviously, however, is Nance’s knee.
Once the season is over, Nance will be able to rehab the knee and the issues should be gone. Of course, with someone who jumps as much and as high as Nance does, knee issues are always a concern. Hopefully, this issue doesn’t become worse and Nance can continue to grow in future seasons.