Larry Nance Jr. — the 6’8″ NBA legacy (his dad, Larry Nance, is a former NBA slam dunk champion) that the Los Angeles Lakers chose out of Wyoming with the 27th pick in this year’s draft — had the crowd in San Diego going crazy after he threw down a massive dunk in traffic after slashing through the lane. The rookie also had the LA bench up and dancing, which is a little unusual for a preseason contest.
The Nance jam is more proof that Lakers have talent — and real athleticism — on the younger portion of its roster. Rookie D’Angelo Russell, the No. 2 pick, looks strong so far and Julius Randle, last year’s top pick for the purple and gold is enjoying his second chance at a rookie year, after a leg fracture made his first try futile. Not anyone can rise up like Nance did against the Warriors, but lots of guys in the league can fly. Kobe Bryant and Byron Scott like some other numbers Nance is bringing, besides his impressive 40-plus-inch vertical. The veteran superstar and his hand-picked coach like Nance’s eight points, two rebounds and two steals on 75% shooting in only 12 minutes of action– 3 seconds of which won’t soon be forgotten.
Larry Nance Jr. just postered Festus Ezeli… pic.twitter.com/6l6DD5KgnJ
— Steve Noah (@Steve_OS) October 18, 2015
