Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant And Steve Nash’s Approach

The Los Angeles Lakers are all set for the 2014-2015 NBA season, as they are finalizing camp invites to compete for a roster spot. Judging from their recent signings, Los Angeles is ensuring that they are prepared for any injuries in the backcourt. Bringing back Nick Young and Xavier Henry was the first step in addressing any possibility of last year’s injury bug. The team compiled an NBA-high of 319 games missed by an assortment of players, mainly Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.

At both the point guard and shooting guard position, Los Angeles inked deals with Ronnie Price, Wayne Ellington, and Jabari Brown. Each player brings immediate needs to the Lakers, but their non-guaranteed deals make them highly expendable. At the same time, the health of Bryant and Nash increases their opportunity of staying with the team.

Building the proper depth for an unpredictable 82-game season might be the most essential task for an NBA team. Los Angeles has the most to prove as a healthy squad. It’s rare that a team goes without two of their top leaders, in this case, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash. In every way possible, the Lakers need Bryant and Nash to maximize every ounce of ability they can contribute. Both players bring a combined 36 years of NBA experience and bring unique elements to the game despite being age 40 (Nash) and 36 (Bryant).

The freak accident that has turned Steve Nash into a mythical figure never goes without mentioning. A sighting of him on the court leaves fans questioning whether his presence is legitimate. Nash has lost his deceptive speed and endurance due to an irritated nerve from a leg injury. Some hope has been restored for the former All-Star. As many know, he is one of the most dedicated players in the league, and he’s been working extremely hard to gain some of his form back. This year is his final season, and whispers around the Lakers’ franchise is he is as healthy as ever. Nash’s recovery breed optimism and some caution.

The same stories have been spreading like wildfire regarding Kobe Bryant. This week he participated in team workouts, and it sounds like he hasn’t missed a beat.

Is the Mamba back? Will we get vintage nights of volume shooting and go-to-hell ball? It’s a possibility. Teammates are proceeding with caution and fans should, too. Bryant is recovering from a torn Achilles and fractured knee. He’s definitely exhibited superhuman-like ability, withstanding dislocated fingers and severely rolled ankles. Bryant can’t defy the human anatomy, which causes the body to alter its routines upon injury.

The game must start from the mental aspect for both players. Each of them actually has taken the necessary steps to translate their effectiveness in light of their limitations. It’s been the physical shortcomings that sidelined them. Nash is an excellent passer with unlimited vision. This is a skill that he could take advantage of this year when competing against opponents and mentoring teammates. Jeremy Lin and Jordan Clarkson will be front-row and center to expand their point guard abilities.

The workload for Kobe Bryant will not be as light as Nash’s, and I’m sure he wouldn’t want it any other way. Bryant is more than willing to test the limits of his abilities to ensure the Lakers gain back some of its glory. Operating from the post, facilitating, and efficient scoring is the expectation of Bryant. He has proven capable of playing below the rim since he lost athleticism. Byron Scott must be disciplined enough to dial Bryant back, even times when it doesn’t seem possible.

We all know Kobe marches to the beat of his own drum, but this hiatus from the game may allow some level of growth. Right now, Bryant must be trustworthy of the younger troops and Nash will help serve as a buffer, as well. A Kobe-Nash tandem is laughable to some pundits right now, but it’s just what the Lakers ordered at this point.