Hoops

Steve Nash to the Lakers

@ Mick, when you have twin towers like Gasol and Bynum inside, it doesn't matter if Nash can't play D. Most of the guards these days are penetrating guards so they would welcome them into the paint. Won't change either if they get Dwight.
It will be very interesting though to see how Kobe and Nash play well together as Nash does dribble the shit out of it.

A year ago the Lakers were applauded for trading for Chris Paul, saying that the trade was going to space out the floor more, giving the Lakers an elite point guard that will give Kobe more space to work. The catch was that the trade would give up Odom and Gasol. I'm not saying that Steve Nash is as good as Chris Paul, but he is just as good a distributor of the ball and he can hit his own shot. This trade for virtually nothing (2 late first round picks and 2nd rounders) is a home run by Kupchak. Granted, Nash isn't a good defender but he adds so much to the team offensively. The Lakers still have Gasol as well. Nash is sure to help him get plenty of open 10 footers that we didn't see enough of last year. Or, they could try and piece Gasol as the centrepiece of a trade to land someone like Josh Smith, or they could go for a slasher 3 with an intention to play Jordan Hill as a starter at the 4. Another option is the inevitable talk of Bynum for Howard. The bench is going to be key tho. Would love to see Grant Hill join them with the 3 million dollar exception but Kupchak has shown that anything can happen for the Lakers so I guess we'll see about that...

Bottom line is that this trade has upgraded the Lakers at its weakest position and turned it into a strong point, one that will have such an influence on every player on the offensive side of the ball. The Lakers are once again relevant in title aspirations.

This sounds like a good signing, and I am really happy for the Lakers, but that's because I am a Boston fan.
I just don't see this gelling at all. Kobe refused last year to pass the ball to Bynum or Gasol even though they had a much better FG%. He just kept chucking it at the ring, everyone else be damned. I think he will do the same thing again this year (say the right things, do whatever the hell he wants); as soon as they start a mini slump he will revert to form. And then Bynum & Gasol will pout, as they did last year, and the team will go to crap again.

@ Tweet Tweet He was'nt happy a guy who was a 6 time all-star was reduced to DNP-CD regularly in the playoffs and only played a total 4 minutes in the post season. I remember reading an article that he wasn't happy but wasn't disruptive because of the consummate professional that is Richmond.

Wow, i thought 4 sure he'd join Amare in NY!

Good signing for the Lakers only potential downfall is the Lakers have had a history of star players coming to the Lakers at the back end of their careers and have either not have fitted in or complained about there reduced role on the team. (Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Glenn Rice, Mitch Richmond)

Richmond and Rice made it known they were not happy with there roles despite winning a championship with the Lakers. Malone and Payton did reach the finals but I wouldn't say either pair "shined" in their Lakers tenure with Malone retiring and Payton departing for Boston after the Lakers loss.

Even at his age Nash is a major upgrade on Sessions. Good trade for the Lakers....will be interesting to see how Kobe and Nash will go together, both are fairly ball dominant....I'd assume they will want Kobe to play more off the ball with Nash getting him the open looks off the dribble.

Lakers just got a lot better with this trade. Will be interesting now to see whether the Lakers go after trading for Howard or if they ship out Gasol.

Follow @WojYahooNBA on Twitter, he's pretty much on the pulse.

Lakers are reportedly sending 2013 & 2015 First Round picks plus 2013 & 2014 Second Round Picks.