3. Acquiring Steve Nash via Sign and Trade: July, 2012: I will always remember this past 4th of July for the fireworks Mitch Kupchak set off at around 7:00 p.m. PT.
As everyone’s barbecue was settling, news broke the Lakers had acquired Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns via sign and trade. The Lakers suddenly went from being a team not considered a true title contender to being thrust right back into the championship conversation.
Now, for the first time arguably since Magic Johnson was running the show in the 1980s, the Lakers don’t have to cross their fingers for point guard production on a nightly basis. Nash, one of the best point guards ever and a two-time MVP, will have Kobe, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard at his disposal next season. There is no reason to believe he doesn’t have a great chance of leading the league in assists in 2012-13. Nash was second only to Rajon Rondo in assists per game last season, playing with a less than stellar supporting cast in Phoenix.
What makes the deal all the more better is the fact the Lakers only gave up a handful of future first and second round draft picks to acquire Nash.
For the first time in his career, Kobe Bryant will have a great point guard to share the backcourt with.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1xKNXjgLN8
Next Page: The Lakers become relevant again
