The current roster for the Los Angeles Lakers is mostly built up of players the team acquired through the NBA Draft. The core of the team was taken in the draft lottery with the exception of Jordan Clarkson who was one of a few steals the team was able to get in the second round.
Along with grabbing Clarkson in the second round back in 2014, the Lakers were also able to bring in forward Larry Nance Jr. late in the first in 2015 and center Ivica Zubac in the second round in 2016.
Both Zubac and Nance appear to be players that could have a long-term future with the Lakers. Nance can see himself sticking around for quite some time, as he told Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype:
“Absolutely. If they’ll have me, I’d really like to be here. I love living in L.A. It’s super nice and the weather is beautiful. I have zero complaints. We’re on the up-and-up as a team and we’ve got a bright future. And would I love to be a part of that future? Man, I’d love nothing more than that.”
Nance has become a solid contributor for the Lakers in his two years with the team. The Wyoming product improves with every passing game and has the distinction as the team’s best defender while also boasting possibly the highest basketball IQ on the team.
As for a long-term future in Los Angeles, Nance appears to be one of the most beloved players on the team. Nance has frequently received high praise from his teammates and the Lakers coaching staff during his short time with the squad and is almost certainly in the team’s long-term plans as a result of his solid play.
As long as Nance can stay healthy, the future may be bright in Los Angeles for the 24-year-old forward.