LOS ANGELES >> The stress overwhelmed Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr.
The reasons had nothing to do with preparing for a game or continuing his rehab on his injured left knee. It had everything to do with meeting his childhood idol, former NFL quarterback David Garrard.
Shortly after he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 16, Nance had admired Garrard from afar for his ability to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars while nursing the same ailment. But Nance had not met Garrard until recently.
Alex Kennedy, the managing editor for Basketball Insiders, connected the two together.