Everyone knows that the Los Angeles Lakers need a point guard. However, putting the Lakers on a list of potential destinations for the NBA's favorite Canadian point guard does not mean that he might actually come. Steve Nash is not coming to the Lakers, and while he would be exciting to watch in a purple and gold uniform, I don't see in playing home games at Staples Center next year.
Too much money
The Lakers just don't have any money. Obviously they cannot offer a free agent contract to the veteran point guard, particularly when Toronto is offering $36 million over three years. For the Lakers, the only option is a sign-and-trade deal, but they really only have their trade exception. Teams like the Knicks have actual players to give, and they are willing and able to give Nash a lucrative three-year deal.
Stiff competition
There are just too many other teams out there that have the cap flexibility to land someone like Steve Nash. As mentioned, the New York Knicks could end up with Nash. Or, Nash may play in Canada if he is willing to take the money and run to the Raptors. There is also the possibility that he could end up in Dallas, where he played for six years of his career. The Lakers are not the ultimate destination anymore, and Nash may be interested in other places.
Another old guy
Here is the other problem. Do the Lakers really want to add another aging veteran to their roster? Isn't that part of the reason that the Lakers have no cap flexibility? Nash can still play, but he is 38 years old. His defensive skills are almost non-existent, and he is not going to get any faster as he approaches 40. Nash is a stopgap player that may be productive for another year or two. However, the Lakers need to think about a youth movement, and Nash is not exactly part of that strategy.
At this point I think it is moot, because I doubt very much that he is coming to the Lakers.
Sources:
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8129885/sources-new-york-knicks-pursue-options-land-steve-nash
The author grew up in Seattle and now lives in Los Angeles, where he enjoys the rivalry between the Lakers and the Clippers, and all the drama that goes with being in the Southland. You can follow him on Twitter @tpheifer.
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