Lakers News: Larry Nance Jr. Thanks Organization, Teammates And Fans In Farewell Post

Matt Borelli
2 Min Read
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines on Thursday by trading Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cleveland Cavaliers in return for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and a 2018 first-round draft pick.

The deal was financially motivated, as the Lakers have cleared another hurdle for potentially doling out two maximum contracts this summer, when the likes of LeBron James, Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins are set to become free agents.

Just hours after being traded, Nance took to Instagram to reflect on his time with the Lakers, and thanked the organization, his former teammates and fans for a memorable two and a half seasons:

During his time with the Lakers, Nance anchored the second-unit’s defense and routinely made the highlight reel with his prolific dunks.

The 25-year-old’s move to Cleveland marks a homecoming, as Nance was born and raised in the area. Furthermore, his father, Larry Nance Sr., spent seven successful seasons with the Cavaliers, where he was selected to two All-Star Games.

Nance will return to Staples Center next weekend to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest, and he’ll surely receive a loud ovation from Lakers fans in attendance. The Cavaliers face the Lakers in Los Angeles on March 11.

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Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Lakers as a staff writer for Lakers Nation and holds similar responsibilities for Dodger Blue, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. Among Matt's all-time favorite Lakers moments include Kobe Bryant's 60-point performance over the Utah Jazz in his final NBA game, and Derek Fisher's game-winning buzzer-beater against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals. Follow Matt on Twitter: @mcborelli.