The Lakers are considering a trade to acquire Larry Nance Jr., a player known for his toughness, in a potential three-for-one swap.
Potential Trade Details and Target
Larry Nance Jr., once drafted by the Lakers in 2015, has evolved into a high-energy, switchable center. Last season, Nance played nearly all his minutes at center for the Pelicans and is now on the Hawks roster after a summer trade involving Dejounte Murray. With the Hawks having centers Onyeka Okungwu and Clint Capela, Nance’s role is uncertain, making him a trade candidate.
Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein noted, “The Atlanta big man drawing the most external interest is the newly acquired Nance. Multiple teams in need of proven size are pursuing him.”
Lakers’ Need for a Quality Big Man
The Lakers are actively seeking a reliable center to bolster their roster. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of adding a big player to compete against Western Conference teams with significant size, like Denver and Minnesota. Nance, though not exceptionally large, offers energy, defensive versatility, and the ability to switch onto smaller players.
Redick told Sirius XM Radio, “We’d love to get another five-man, a big bruising five-man. You look at the Western Conference, you’re going to need a lot of size for certain matchups in the playoffs.”
The Fit and Benefits of Adding Nance
Nance’s energy and intelligence make him a valuable asset. While he may not match the size of players like Nikola Jokic or Rudy Gobert, his ability to play center allows Anthony Davis to shift to power forward. Despite his size, Nance’s toughness and ability to hit corner threes are highly regarded around the league.
An NBA executive mentioned, “Nance would be a good fit for the Lakers. He’d bring energy and toughness. He might work well with Jarred Vanderbilt as high-energy guys. Larry’s a winner and a tough SOB.”
Trade Possibilities and Impact
The Lakers could potentially trade for Nance without giving up a first-round pick. Packaging last year’s top pick, guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, with Gabe Vincent and Christian Wood could create roster spots and free up money for additional signings.
While not a perfect solution, Nance could address several issues for the Lakers, providing a blend of energy, toughness, and versatility that could help the team in their pursuit of a championship.
