The Los Angeles Lakers received devastating news on Saturday following Austin Reaves’ masterful 45-point performance against the Indiana Pacers.
Although the Lakers expected Mark Williams to assist Jaxson Hayes in the low post during the second half of the season, the Charlotte Hornets center reportedly failed his physical, resulting in Los Angeles’ blockbuster Feb. 6 trade involving Williams and Dalton Knecht getting canceled.
Still, the organization could turn to the buyout market and reunite with a bouncy 6-foot-8 forward to take pressure off Hayes.
“The obvious one is Larry Nance Jr., a former Laker who has lost a step and has always had medical issues, but is a smart, versatile defender that was quite the lob-finisher in his day,” CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn wrote Sunday.
“The catch here is that his team, the (Atlanta) Hawks, control the Lakers’ first-round pick this June. They don’t want to make the Lakers better.”
Before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Hawks, Nance spent the beginning of his NBA career with the Lakers.
While Nance’s numbers with the Lakers weren’t jaw-dropping, the Wyoming product lasted multiple seasons with the franchise by showcasing his elite vertical athleticism, willingness to roll hard in ball screen situations, reliable three-point jumper, and refusal to take plays off on both ends.
As a Hawk this season, Nance has continued to exhibit his worth as a role player in the big leagues, maximizing his 19.3 minutes per game on the hardwood.
Nance averages 8.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on 51% field goal shooting and 45.3% long-range shooting.
While the Lakers’ coaching staff and roster have changed since the mid-to-late 2010s, Nance’s moderate success during his first stint with the franchise and possible eagerness to play alongside his former Cavaliers teammate, LeBron James, could make a reunion a legitimate possibility.
If Atlanta buys Nance out this season, Los Angeles may aggressively pursue the 32-year-old veteran.
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