After taking D’Angelo Russell earlier in the evening with the second overall pick, the Los Angeles Lakers continued to add young talent to their rebuilding roster.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
The team brought in many prospects in the weeks prior to the draft and decided to select Larry Nance Jr. with their No. 27 pick according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:
The Los Angeles Lakers will select Wyoming's Larry Nance with the No. 27 pick in the NBA Draft, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2015
This was something of a surprising pick as Nance was looked at as a likely second-rounder and players such as R.J. Hunter from Georgia State and Kevon Looney from UCLA were still available. Nonetheless, Nance still provides some things the Lakers could use.
Nance is a versatile forward who is an excellent athlete and can do multiple things on the court. He is a high-energy player who is a great athlete and a solid mid-range shooter as well. He is also a good finisher around the rim.
The Lakers are not expected to keep all three of their picks as Mitch Kupchak has said the team doesn’t plan on bringing in three rookies so there is still a possibility that Nance could be moved, but for now the Lakers add another piece to their front line.
[divide]VIDEO: Larry Nance Jr. Interview