Larry Nance, Jr. hints he wants to be in the dunk contest next year

Jordan Clarkson's loss in the skills challenge may have been the only appearance by a member of the purple and gold during the Saturday Night events of All-Star weekend, but it sounds like leaping Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance, Jr. is planning to change that next season. The dunk contest was the most exciting event of the night, with Zach LaVine of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic facing off in a memorable showcase of two of the league's premiere athletes that had to be seen to be believed.

Nance, Jr. saw, and he apparently believes that he could go toe-to-toe with LaVine and Gordon's feats of athleticism as well. The NBA reached out to the high-flying Lakers rookie about participating this year, but Nance, Jr. ultimately chose to bow out due to lingering knee issues that have kept him sidelined for six of the team's last nine games. If he's healthy next year, it looks like he will throw his hat in the ring (figuratively, but maybe literally too with how many props are used in these contests in recent years):

On my way to do some lunges and squats...

— Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) February 14, 2016

Nance, Jr. tweeted that right after the conclusion of the contest, and his teammate and fellow rookie thinks he has a good shot at taking the crown:

@Larrydn22 DUNK CHAMP 2017!!!

— Anthony Brown (@TwoShotOne) February 14, 2016

Who knows, maybe Festus Ezeli will agree to help him out like the Orlando Magic's mascot, Stuff, helped out Gordon this year:

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