Lakers with their acquisition of Nash, and further upcoming deals..... Age to consider: Bryant 34, Nash 38, possible Gasol 32 Discuss
How can you really discuss how good they will be, if we're taking "further upcoming deals" into consideration? Too much speculation... Possibly acquiring Howard and Grant Hill make a HUGE difference. Who knows what else will come up.
I'm curious how Nash and Bryant will play together. both need the ball in their hands. I'm not sure any of them will accept a lesser role. Maybe they will use Nash as a spot up shooter. The biggest problem with the Lakers was that the opposing pg destroys them. With Nash your defense does not get better (probably worse). My guess is this is only a minor upgrade. Not enough to beat the Thunder.
With their current roster... Depends heavily on Bynum (if season starts today). Gasol's production has dropped off considerably, he seems to have gotten softer and softer each year (if that's possible). Kobe is old, still Kobe, but old. Nash too is old, he will make a few players better, but overall I don't think it will matter. If Bynum isn't a beast this season the addition of Nash won't be enough.
If Nash can convince Grant Hill to come in and play for the minimum that will be one hell of a starting 5 if Hill can play at the level he played at last year. He doesn't need to be great, just above average.
Best team in the West. People severely underrate Nash if they don't see how big of an improvement he will make. Nash is my favorite player in the NBA. He elevates the players around him so much. If Grant Hill signs there, whether he starts or is the sixth man...holy moly.
Can't believe I'm saying this but... they will be fun and interesting to watch. I hate the fact that my Laker friends will still have hope for another ring. Damnit.
Unless there is an injury, the 2013 WCF is going to be LA and OKC, Kobe, Nash, Durant, Westbrook, and maybe Dwight. Just the way Stern wants it.
Still not enough to beat the Thunder imo. May be about as good as the Spurs meaning they will be about the second best team in the West.
Correct. But with two good perimeter defenders and two shot blocking 7 footers, I doubt teams will be able to destroy the Lakers simply by exploiting Nash. On the flipside, teams will now be completely unable to double against the Lakers. Nash can create against anybody and will make every single Laker better.
They're going to be deadly and life is going to be way easier on Kobe Bryant. He's going to love life next year. Nash is exactly the type of players he's always wanted but never knew he wanted. He will defer at all times and hit big shots when everyone else is scared. Nash wont back down to Kobe either, and he wont ever have to because there's no reason for Kobe to challenge Nash. Kobe hated Shaq, called Bynum fat, and slapped Pau in the fact. Nash... Nash will be his equal. With that said, they don't need Hill. They need a young, sizey, athletic swingman that can help guard superstar wings. Are there any left out there? Without one they wont get past OKC much less Miami.
They will be right there with the Thunder. You are looking at Lakers, Thunder, Heat and then everyone else a notch below those 3, depending on how the Spurs bounce back.
I guess guys don't expect the: - 23 yr old Durant- 23 yr old Westbrook - 22 yr old Harden - 22 yr old Ibaka To improve this summer? Now if LA nabs Howard then they should be the favorite.
