Point God

Well, just when the rest of the NBA thought it was safe to get back in the water, the Lakers trade for a 2-time MVP and future Hall of Famer in Steve Nash. This trade caught everyone by surprise, including me, as many of us believed he was most likely headed to either Toronto or New York. Now, as happy as I am about the deal, I know this does not guarantee the Lakers the NBA title. We still have to work on our bench, and get some better players to fill it out. However, we'll deal with that later. Right now, let's focus on Steve Nash.

I said I love this deal, but the only real issues I have are age and injuries. Steve Nash is 38 now, will be 39 in February, and has a history of back issues. Despite all of that, I love this deal for one simple reason: Steve Nash gives the Lakers an extra threat on offense. I know Steve is not the best defensive player, but his offensive capabilities make up for it somewhat. He is also the best facilitator the Lakers have had in a while. This is key, because while Phil's Triangle offense did not require a point guard to facilitate, Mike Brown's offense is more traditional and does require a point guard, and very few fill the facilitator role in today's NBA better than Steve Nash. Food for thought: Steve Nash averaged 10.7 (Fuck it, I'm rounding it up to 11) assists a game on a garbage Phoenix team last year that came within two games of making it to the playoffs. Think about that, now think about what he could do to this team. Steve Nash is one of the most creative ball handlers (pause) in the NBA today, and he could get it inside to Bynum/Gasol (maybe Howard?) or get it to Kobe, who will find more open shots due to defenses accounting for Nash. As a result, teams also cannot double Kobe like they used to because of Nash's presence. If they double Kobe, Nash is wide open for 3 or a layup. 

One question that has been posed has been, "How will Kobe deal with not being the main facilitator on offense now?" Also, I've hear people say "Nash will be effective, but he might have to pry the ball away from Kobe." If you're really wondering that, first of all, you didn't do any fucking research, and second of all, you're just lacking in in-depth knowledge. If you took the time to read the story or watch the coverage, you will know Kobe demanded Mitch Kupchak and the front office pursue Nash when he heard Nash was on the market. In fact, Kobe talked to Nash personally. Second of all, Steve Nash is not primarily a scorer. He is a passer, a playmaker. He will get his points and chances. This is a perfect fit.