Los Angeles Lakers: Steve Nash Still Valuable
By Chris Walton
The inevitable choice of retirement is staring Steve Nash in the eyes and there’s not much he can do about it. His back, stemming from a leg injury and age are the deciding factors for what lies ahead for the 40-year old veteran.
The Los Angeles Lakers have hoped that Nash’s end to the season could be replaced by a role as mentor and working closely with the team. Instead, it seems that he may opt to take full advantage of time away from the game. The choice to do so is perfectly understandable, considering 19 years of experience in the league.
If Nash is looking to take on a role with the Lakers organization, then the match may be perfect. He has the chance to aid Kobe Bryant in accepting his role as a big brother to younger prospects such as Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle.
Bryant is a player that is known to challenge teammates, but his approach may have to change to a more nurturing one to coincide with the times. Nash is the kind of player that Bryant respects enough to take on a new approach at his request.
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Aside from Nash’s spot on the roster, there is not any other thing left for Nash to account for with the team. However, the Lakers may be able to find more a value as he could be a building block for this season and beyond.
The glaring salary of $9.7 million left to be paid by Los Angeles could prove to be a nice trading chip this season. Nash’s deal expires after this year, and the move could either provide a team looking for space some relief, or help clear the Lakers’ books.
There are a number of teams looking to maximize their cap room for next season. You have squads such as the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers. The ability to absorb contracts from a combination of players can trigger Los Angeles to weigh a Nash proposal.
Even better, the right pieces can supply the Lakers with young talent to build the roster’s foundation.
The goal of moving Nash’s contract will be solely for that purpose. It could also come in the form of a draft pick or two in the upcoming draft. Even if teams aren’t lining up to execute a trade with the Lakers, Nash’s free agency or retirement is looking like a promising event for them.
The sooner that his salary leaves their space, the earlier they can pursue free agents in the 2015 class.
Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss are surely weighing their options with Nash. The one thing they want to make sure of is that the plans are clear to all parties involved. I’m sure that Nash does not want his last days in Los Angeles to be known as a trade piece.
Just as the Lakers hoped to provide him with a chance at a championship, it should be understood that they want to move him to aid in both their futures.
The ending will probably not be ideal for Nash, but the peace of mind that he gets by helping the team will be one that is fitting for a player that always wanted everyone to be happy.