Larry Nance Jr.
A high-flying forward known for his thunderous dunks and defensive versatility, he carved out a vital role as a glue guy on contending teams.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American basketball player·Birthday: January 1·Millennials
Biography
Born into basketball royalty as the son of a slam dunk champion, Larry Nance Jr. forged his own path at the University of Wyoming, where he evolved from a raw talent into a conference standout. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015, he quickly became a fan favorite for his relentless energy and highlight-reel finishes. His career took a pivotal turn when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the very team his father once starred for, allowing him to step into a larger defensive role. Nance’s game is defined not by scoring titles but by a connective, intelligent style—setting bone-crushing screens, switching onto guards, and making the extra pass. His journey through multiple NBA teams has solidified his reputation as a modern, adaptable big man who impacts winning in subtle but essential ways.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Larry was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Larry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Larry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2018, following in his father's footsteps.
- Named to the All-Mountain West Conference First Team in 2015 after a standout senior season at Wyoming.
- Played a key rotational role for the Cleveland Cavaliers during their run to the 2018 NBA Finals.
- Recorded the first triple-double in Cleveland Cavaliers history by a player off the bench in 2021.
Did You Know?
He was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in college but has managed the condition throughout his professional career.
His father, Larry Nance Sr., won the very first NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984.
He is an avid sneaker collector and often wears custom-designed shoes honoring his father.
He majored in American Studies at the University of Wyoming.
“My dad taught me that respect comes from consistent effort, not just a name.”
