Welcome to 969 Sports

969 Sports

The Lakers chance to find a bargain! Sign up for a 32-year-old top jump man with a minimum salary, his style is perfect for Dong Zhan

8:29am, 4 June 2025Basketball

Although the offseason has not yet arrived, the Los Angeles Lakers have begun to search for inside targets all over the world, and many media and fans are also giving advice for the Lakers. Recently, Lakers reporter Khobi Price sorted out a list of centers that the Lakers may introduce during the offseason. The candidates include Bitaze, Sharp, Connet, Nance Jr., Achouva, etc. One of the familiar names makes me a little dazed. Compared with the inside players who may have to spend a lot of money, this person may only need a basic salary to sign, that is the 32-year-old Lakers player Nance Jr.

A few days ago, Nans Xiao posted on his personal social media: "This is the most difficult year for me as a professional player, but it is also one of the best years in my life. My family and I are very grateful to the city for the warm hospitality of this year - thank you, Atlanta." This is a letter of thanks to the Hawks, and also a letter of farewell. After the end of this season, Nans Xiao will become a complete free agent. This season, he can average 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in the Hawks, but overall it is not particularly reused. He is already 32 years old and is destined not to be in the Hawks' plan for the Hawks. It is normal for both sides to break up.

Once Nans Jr. enters the free market, I think the Lakers should strive to sign this former favorite. Nans Jr. was the 27th pick in the first round of 2015. He spent two and a half seasons with the Lakers when he first entered the league. He was then traded by the Lakers to the Cavaliers and joined forces with James, who was still in the Cavaliers at the time to reach the finals. Whether it is his former Lakers player or James' former teammate, Nans Jr. and the current Lakers have some friendship, which may become one of the advantages of the Lakers signing him. More importantly, from the perspective of personal play, Nance is indeed very suitable for the Lakers, suitable for James and Doncic.

Although he is only 2.03 meters tall, Nance Jr. has excellent bounced wingspan, strong athletic ability, and is very good at all kinds of empty cuts and pie relays. At that time, he and James often had various exciting cooperation. If he could really join the Lakers, then James and Doncic might help him rejuvenate his second career. In the Lakers, he could become Doncic's new Gafford and become McGee beside James back then, a sports inside player who can run, jump, pick and roll, and eat pie.

Of course, it must be admitted that Nans Jr. is 32 years old after all, and it is unrealistic to expect him to become the starting center of the Lakers. However, as a substitute center, Nans Jr. is definitely qualified. As long as you stay healthy, I think Nans Jr. can completely take about 20 minutes of inside time in the Lakers. And because of their age and performance this season, Nans Jr. is not expected to get any big contract in the offseason. The Lakers will have less competitive pressure, and they even have the chance to sign Nans Jr. with a basic salary.

For Nance, being able to return to the Los Angeles stage and playing with superstars like James and Doncic is also useful for his own exposure. Once he performs well, the next big contract may be settled. No matter how you look at it, the re-joining of Nans and the Lakers will be a win-win cooperation. Let's wait for the offseason to see if Pelinka can take action quickly.

Links: