Lakers GM: Nance's Kobe tweet 'something they'll have to discuss amongst the two of them'
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - The Los Angeles Lakers chose Larry Nance Jr. with the 27th overall pick in the NBA draft on Thursday night, only to learn the Wyoming forward sent out a critical tweet about Kobe Bryant three years ago.
Nance has since deleted the tweet, which was widely shared on social media immediately after the Lakers selected Nance with their second first-round pick.
''Gee I sure hope Kobe can keep his hands to himself in Denver this time..'' Nance tweeted on May 1, 2012, adding the hashtag ''rapist.''
Bryant was arrested and accused of sexual assault in Colorado in 2003. The criminal charges were dropped a year later, and Bryant settled a civil lawsuit.
General manager Mitch Kupchak found out about the tweet after making his choice, but he didn't allow it to shake his opinion of Nance as a valuable acquisition for the Lakers.
''I've spoken to Larry Nance Jr., and I'm not in a position to really share information, but it is something that (Nance and Bryant) will have to discuss amongst the two of them,'' Kupchak said. ''My understanding, it's something that happened years ago, and in today's world, things don't go away, which doesn't make it any less offensive because it was said three or four years ago.''
Nance also has tweeted repeatedly about his admiration for Bryant, the Lakers' franchise scoring leader.
Bryant was on vacation in Costa Rica this week, but Nance can almost surely expect a talking to from the Black Mamba when he returns.