Larry Nance Jr. Bio
Larry Donnell Nance Jr. is an American professional basketball player who plays power forward and center for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Drafted 27th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015, he is widely regarded as one of the best big men to ever play in the Mountain West Conference. Across his NBA career, Nance has also suited up for the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Atlanta Hawks.
Early Life and Background
Larry Donnell Nance Jr. was born on January 1, 1993, in Akron, Ohio. He grew up in the Akron area and attended Revere High School in nearby Richfield, Ohio, where he played for the Minutemen. A late physical bloomer, Nance stood only 5 feet 11 inches as a freshman point guard and grew to 6 feet 7 inches by his senior year, when he averaged 18.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game.
At the age of 16, Nance Jr. was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a condition he has spoken about publicly. His family has deep roots in basketball, and he grew up around the game, which helped shape his path toward a professional career.
Path to Basketball
After a standout senior season at Revere, Nance committed to the University of Wyoming, where he played four seasons for the Wyoming Cowboys from 2011 to 2015. Across 123 college games, he averaged 11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks. In 2014 and 2015, he was named First-team All-Mountain West Conference.
He capped his college career in 2015 by earning Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the MWC All-Defensive Team. Considered one of the best big men in conference history, Nance entered the 2015 NBA draft and was selected 27th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Larry Nance Jr. Career
Early Career (2015-2018)
Nance signed his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2015 and made his NBA debut on November 6, 2015, against the Brooklyn Nets, recording six points and five rebounds. He earned his first start on December 7, 2015, against the Toronto Raptors, and logged his first career double-double on December 27, 2015, with 17 points and 11 rebounds against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Over his three seasons with the Lakers, Nance showed steady improvement, posting a career-high 18 points twice and developing into a versatile defender. On February 8, 2018, the Lakers traded Nance and Jordan Clarkson to the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing him to his hometown team.
Cleveland Cavaliers First Stint (2018-2021)
After joining the Cavaliers in February 2018, Nance switched to jersey No. 22, the number his father once wore. He reached the 2018 NBA Finals with Cleveland, where the team was swept 4-0 by the Golden State Warriors. On October 15, 2018, Nance signed a four-year, $44.8 million contract extension with the Cavaliers.
During his first full season in Cleveland, Nance posted career highs of 19 rebounds and delivered his first game-winning shot. He averaged a career-high 10.1 points per game in 2019-20 and scored a personal-best 23 points on February 12, 2020, against the Atlanta Hawks.
Portland Trail Blazers (2021-2022)
On August 28, 2021, Nance was acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team sign-and-trade involving the Chicago Bulls. He made his Portland debut on October 20, 2021, against the Sacramento Kings, finishing with two points, three rebounds, and two assists.
New Orleans Pelicans (2022-2024)
On February 8, 2022, Nance was part of a trade that sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans. Three days later, he underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery. On October 1, 2022, he signed a two-year, $21.6 million contract extension with New Orleans.
Atlanta Hawks Era (2024-2025)
On July 6, 2024, Nance was traded to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a package that brought Dejounte Murray to New Orleans. In 24 appearances during the 2024-25 NBA season, including three starts, he averaged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. On March 26, 2025, Nance was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a lingering right medial femoral condyle fracture.
Return to Cleveland (2025-Present)
On July 6, 2025, Nance signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a minimum deal, returning to the franchise where he had spent his first extended NBA stretch. The signing marked a homecoming for the Akron native.
Driving Style and Strengths
Listed at 6 feet 6 inches and 245 pounds, Nance combines inside scoring with switchable perimeter defense and an ability to guard multiple positions. He has built a reputation as a high-energy rebounder and a reliable finisher around the rim, with a career that has rewarded consistent defensive effort.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Nance’s signature moments came in the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he finished second while honoring his father by wearing a retro 1984 Phoenix Suns uniform and recreating a cradle dunk from the inaugural contest. He and Larry Nance Sr. also teamed up for a father-son alley-oop dunk during the event. Nance helped the Cavaliers reach the 2018 NBA Finals in his first partial season in Cleveland.
Larry Nance Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Larry Donnell Nance Jr. is the son of Larry Nance Sr., a former NBA forward who spent his career with the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers. Nance Sr. was a three-time NBA All-Star and the winner of the league’s first Slam Dunk Contest in 1984.
Personal Life
In 2018, Nance Jr. married his longtime girlfriend, Hailey Pince. His older sister, Casey, played basketball at Revere High School and for the Dayton Flyers, while his younger brother, Pete, played at Revere and Northwestern before transferring to the North Carolina Tar Heels. Outside of basketball, Nance supports Leeds United F.C. and became a part owner in 2023 as a member of 49ers Enterprises.
2025 Season Performance
Nance’s 2024-25 season in Atlanta was cut short on March 26, 2025, when he was ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a right medial femoral condyle fracture. In 24 appearances for the Hawks, he averaged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
On July 6, 2025, Nance signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a minimum deal, returning to the team he first joined in 2018. The reunion gives the Akron native a chance to contribute to a contender while returning to the jersey number his father once wore.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, Nance is expected to serve as a veteran depth piece in the frontcourt, providing defense, rebounding, and leadership. His comeback adds a familiar face to a Cavaliers team that continues to develop its core around younger stars.
