The 40-year old Los Angeles Laker, and legendary point guard, Steve Nash has decided to step back out on the court. In his first game, he looked strong, and looking forward, could become even stronger.
Steve Nash is a two-time NBA MVP. While it is clear that Nash will not be able to return to this level, he does still look like a productive NBA player, and someone who could play at a very high level even at his current age. If Nash were able to bring the same high intensity level to the court that Kobe Bryant brings every night, the Lakers will look like a much better team, and a more attractive destination to lure in some outside help and bring in another star player, such as Kevin Love. Such an addition could really change the fortunes of the club, as the fact remains that while guards like Nash and Kobe are very important the NBA game, they are a lot less effective on teams that lack the ideal “big men” to play strong interior defense, score from the paint, and bring down rebounds.
Although the Lakers lost in Nash’s return, Nash played a solid game putting up seven points and nine assists in just 24 minutes of playing time. Lakers’ fans will remember that star guard Kobe Bryant was not as effective in his first game back on the court. We are now aware that Steve Nash still has the talent to compete in this league. However, the question is, how long will he be able to use his talent to its potential?
While all hope is not lost for this Lakers team to reach a spot in the NBA playoffs, they would have to work extremely hard, and go on an incredible run in the second half of the season to get there. If Steve Nash is able to put up the numbers he is capable of, and Kobe Bryant is able to make an early return to help his team, it might just be possible to play at the elite level that would be necessary. Bryant and Nash have great chemistry and they are both legendary guards who think the game on another level.
There is little doubt that the Lakers have some very talented pieces, but given their record over the last year and a half, I start to question if head coach Mike D’Antoni is the best man for knowing how to use this talent. If the Lakers fail to make it to the post-season, a long hard look at D’Antoni must be taken by Mitch Kupchak and Laker management. They may just come to the conclusion that while having a healthy Kobe and Nash can have a great impact on the fortunes of the Lakers, finding another coach would solve all of their problems.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @TrendingTristan. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @lastwordonsport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Basktball writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
