Why Steve Nash Makes The Lakers Contenders Again
After consecutive second-round playoff exits, the Los Angeles Lakers front office has torn up the floor boards and traded any draft pick the NBA will let them to Phoenix Suns in order to acquire Steve Nash. With good reason, the arrival of the 38 year-old two-time MVP in Los Angeles, signals the return of the Lakers as one of the NBA’s elite teams.
Why Steve Nash Is A Perfect Fit?
Steve Nash has carried an over-performing Phoenix Suns franchise for the past six years, reaching as far as the Western Conference Semi-finals on the back of his pick-and-roll combination with Amar’e Stoudamire. However, it may be his pairing with Lakers big-men Paul Gasol and Andrew Bynum that delivers his first championship.
Last season was Mike Brown’s first as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and with an offensive structure heavy in half court sets, the purple and gold often struggled without a true playmaking point guard. As a result, Kobe Bryant was required to lead the league in minutes played at the age of 33 while Derek Fisher and, later, Ramon Sessions struggled in the starting point guard role.
The Basckcourt Combination of Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant has tantalising potential.
The Lakers will not be able to match the likes of Miami or Oklahoma City for athleticism in the near future. Steve Nash reinforces the strengths of the Lakers with slow and deliberate half-court play. The defensive skills of Steve Nash have long been derided, but the prowess of Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace will provide more cover than any of his previous team-mates ever did.
The Lakers’ acquisition of Steve Nash is an admission on behalf of Los Angeles that their championship window is closing. Kobe Bryant cannot lead the franchise forever and Steve Nash is the perfect foil as his retirement draws closer.
What Else Can The Lakers Do To Improve?
The Lakers are far from a finished and work still needs to be done.
First, there have been continued questions regarding the future of All-Star forward Pau Gasol. Trades involving a variety of players and packages have been discussed since the off-season began. However, the arrival of Nash and the potential that their pick-and-roll combination seems to have cooled that speculation.
Second, the Lakers bench was the lowest scoring in the entire NBA last season. Think about that, even the Charlotte Bobcats, who hold the record for worst ever regular season winning percentage, managed to get more production from their bench. Greater roster depth must be acquired to take the strain off Kobe Bryant and other starters.
Lou Williams, who led the 76ers in scoring off the bench last season would be an ideal fit. Williams is available in free agency but may be out of the Lakers price range.
Third, Metta World Peace must improve his three point shooting. World Peace shot just 29.6% from beyond the arc last season, down by nearly 5% from the year before. World Peace is still primarily charged as a defender for the Lakers but his ability to knock down open shots, spread the floor and take advantage of Bryant being double teamed will be critical to their success next season. In particular, the arrival of Steve Nash means he can expect to receive plenty of good looks going forward.
The acquisition of Steve Nash by the Los Angeles Lakers front office is as brilliant as it was unexpected. While they are by no means a finished work, the Lakers have moved into the realm of elite Western Conference teams. Expect good things next season!