Lakers rumors: Larry Nance Jr. could soon see starting role
By Keith Rivas
The latest Lakers rumors point to a potential change to the starting lineup.
As the Lakers get ready to close out another losing season, chances are that we’re far from done with serious changes. Indicated in a report by SB Nation’s Silver Screen & Roll, that next step for the purple and gold involves Larry Nance Jr.
Per the report:
"At the Lakers’ morning shootaround Tuesday, Walton told Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News that Larry Nance, Jr. could move into the starting lineup eventually, although he wasn’t sure if it would be alongside Ivica Zubac or Julius Randle.Walton’s desire to give Nance a look with the starters makes sense. Nance (-4.1) has the second-best net rating among consistent contributors for the Lakers, and the team is 5.4 points per 100 possessions better with Nance on the floor versus when he sits, with their defense improving over four points per 100 possessions when he plays."
Another move that the Lakers are exploring has to do with D’Angelo Russell. Drafted as the next star point guard, the Ohio State hopeful has been wildly inconsistent overall.
Walton has considered having him stay at shooting guard, which could be his new position.
As for Nance, it makes sense to put more and more youth in their lineup. The more the merrier, really.
Additionally, the Lakers are trying to think of their future needs that need to be met in the upcoming draft. A new draft class doesn’t carry all of the answers, but it will shape the immediate future of the Lakers.
There’s no doubt about that.
Whether or not Nace Jr. will have a starting role at the beginning of next season isn’t guaranteed. He’ll have to earn it still, like the other guys.
Next: Will Clippers Try To Land New Point Guard?
But this potential move definitely has a different feel to it.