It seems that every day we’re finding new trade possibilities as the rumor mill continues to swirl. The Lakers’ point guard problems are certainly no secret (especially after seeing Jeremy Lin and Jose Calderon both score 30-plus points on the Lakers this weekend), so any potential guard news is especially intriguing for those in Lakers nation.
On Sunday it was revealed that the team had worked out free agent guard Gilbert Arenas, who last played for the Orlando Magic last season. This came after a rumor that the team was previously interested in another former star point guard that is currently out of the league – Allen Iverson.
The latest rumor to come across the wire on Monday doesn’t directly involve the Lakers, but it certainly could if this turns into a more substantiated possibility. According to Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated, Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash (who the Lakers will face twice in the upcoming week), is unsure whether or not he will be traded from Phoenix.
“I have no idea what the club will eventually do if a bunch of offers are thrown in their face,” Nash said, “but I feel like I’m not nervous about [the trade deadline] and I’m not thinking about — what’s the word? — I’m not anticipating anything to happen. I feel like I made a commitment and I feel like I owe it to my teammates — the city, the fans, the club — to play it out and to play as hard as I can.”
If Phoenix does entertain offers for the veteran point guard they may find a potential suitor in their division rivals. Nash, who has found great success against Los Angeles throughout his career, is still able to play at a relatively high level despite his age and seasoned status. Nash is still averaging 14.6 points and 10.3 assists per game, while limiting his turnovers to less than four a game. Those are three areas that the Lakers need to improve upon, so Nash seems like a natural fit.
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Some problems may arise, however, when you consider some of the extraneous details surrounding the situation. Nash’s Suns have had a relatively fierce rivalry with the Lakers over the past six years, and that has resulted in some not-so-friendly encounters. Nash was even featured in a Vitamin Water commercial where he expressed his displeasure for all things Los Angeles. Still, if the past is any indication of the future we can probably assume that these differences could be overlooked. Both Ron Artest (now Metta World Peace) and Matt Barnes had had scuffles with various Lakers players before joining the squad via free agency in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Nash may or may not be moved this season, but if the Suns do decide to entertain offers for the two-time league MVP, expect the Lakers to be in the mix.
