Larry Nance Jr. named an ESPN rising star

Larry Nance Jr. is finally seeing his hard work pay off as an ESPN rising star.

With the continuing youth movement in the Los Angeles Lakers rebuilding period, it’s not a surprise that some of their players are being highly touted.

One player in particular is a testament to the Lakers scouting department as he is one of those rare prospects to be drafted late and make the NBA.

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As the No. 48 rising star ranking noted, Nance Jr. leads all front court players who have not started a game with 1.2 steals a game.

It’s not surprising the Lakers were wowed with Nance’s athleticism when they used their second 1st round pick of the 2015 NBA draft to take him 27th from Wyoming.

The son of former NBA player Larry Nance Sr. is showing the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree wowing crowds with spectacular dunks.

Injuries have slowed down Nance Jr. at times this season but he’s shown he’s more than just a dunker.

Nance Jr. is playing a balanced game averaging 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals in 22.2 minutes per game coming off the bench giving the Lakers a strong second unit.

In a recent game against the Boston Celtics, Nance Jr. scored a career high 18 points, but it was his 11 rebounds including five on the offensive boards that showed his strength and athleticism.

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Additionally, other players may pop up in the news more but Nance Jr. is carving out his own place with the Baby Lakers.