Larry Nance Jr. Shares Surprising Thoughts on All-Time Greats
The latest episode of the *Ball in the Family Podcast*, hosted by Lonzo Ball, featured a special guest: former Lakers player Larry Nance Jr. Currently teammates with Ball on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the two took the opportunity to discuss Nance Jr.’s career and some of the pivotal moments that have shaped his basketball journey.
Revisiting the Kobe Bryant Connection
Nance Jr., who was drafted by the Lakers in 2015, has a complex history with the franchise and its legendary figure, Kobe Bryant. Years ago, Nance Jr. tweeted about Bryant in relation to the late star’s sexual assault case in Colorado, a tweet that did not go unnoticed by devoted Bryant supporters. Although it was deleted shortly after being posted, it forced Nance Jr. to confront the backlash, not only in the media but also face-to-face with Bryant himself.
During the podcast, Nance Jr. reflected on their relationship, noting that they ultimately reconciled. “I grew to have a great relationship with him,” he shared, revealing that Bryant holds a significant place in his heart. When asked by Ball if he considered Bryant the greatest basketball player of all time, Nance Jr. paused thoughtfully.
Hometown Loyalty Influences Rankings
“I’m from Akron. I’m from Akron,” he stated, acknowledging the influence of his roots on his perspective. However, he made it clear that while Bryant is on his personal “Mount Rushmore” of basketball legends, he couldn’t place him at the very top.
When pressed for his all-time top four, Nance Jr. offered an intriguing list that might raise some eyebrows among older basketball fans. “LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Bryant,” he began, before stating, “I could put my dad [Larry Sr.] on there subjectively. But objectively, I have to put Tim Duncan on there. I love Tim Duncan. He was one of my favorite players growing up. Shout out Timmy D.”
Respecting the Legends
Nance Jr.’s emotional connection to Bryant is evident, given their time together on the Lakers, and he expressed great respect for the late superstar throughout the interview. Intriguingly, Nance Jr. also shared the court with LeBron James for a season in Cleveland, during a year marked by a difficult NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Given his upbringing in Akron and the tight-knit basketball community in the Greater Cleveland area, Nance Jr.’s admiration for James is both personal and professional. His thoughtful insights on the all-time greats reveal the intricate layers of loyalty and respect that define the basketball world, showcasing how personal experiences shape the narratives of these legends.
