The Sad Los Angeles Lakers Legacy of Steve Nash
By Hannah Kulik
Steve Nash is an NBA legend, a two-time league MVP, and one of the top point guards of all time. He is certain to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible. For many years, he was a calm and steady presence, a great shooter, and when it came to assists, throughout the history of the game, few could match his skill. So great was his talent and his conditioning, he was still playing at a very high level at age 37. Unfortunately for the Lakers, he joined them at age 38.
The Lakers mortgaged their future to sign Nash. They acquired him for draft picks: Two first round picks, two second round selections, and use of the valuable “trade exception” they acquired when Lamar Odom was dealt to Dallas. With few notable exceptions, the Lakers have not relied on the draft in 20 years, and few of their rookie selections made the team or contributed. Instead, they built the team around trades and free agents (e.g., Shaq, Kobe, Pau, Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Brian Shaw, and other solid contributors to their championship years).
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So, when they acquired Nash for draft choices only, it seemed like a steal. Pairing him with Kobe, Pau, Dwight, and Metta World Peace meant all that was left was scheduling the parade once the Lakers won another championship (or two).
Of course, we know four things now. First, that Nash would be injured shortly after the start of the regular season in his first year with the Lakers. Second, for all intents and purposes, he missed that season and the next two, meaning he never really played for the Lakers at all. Third, the $9,000,000 per year he was paid took up a lot of cap space. Last but not least, we sure could use those draft picks now!
It is not an exaggeration to say that acquiring Steve Nash turned out to be the worst trade in Lakers history. We can debate whether Lakers management should have anticipated that at age 38, a three-year contract at $9,000,000 per year was a foolish risk. The fact remains that Nash was never able to play so the Lakers received nothing, all the while their cap space was occupied and their draft choices were gone.
It is unforgivable that the Lakers were so naïve as to think he could return this year when the entire fan base knew it would not happen. Management did not plan thoughtfully for his absence and as a result we have Ronnie Price as our starting point guard (yes, Ronnie Price!!!).
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For the most part Nash handled the situation over the past three years as a true professional. He cheered his teammates from the sidelines and if the media is to be believed, he worked hard to try to come back and play. There was an odd moment last year, amid speculation that he would retire during the season, when Nash explained he would not retire because he wanted to collect his large paycheck.
On the Lakers part, they treated Nash more than fairly, publicly supporting him, showing patience, and saying all the right things. If the reports are accurate, they could have severed ties with him earlier and saved themselves money. Either out of respect for his legacy, or out of stupidity (depending on whom you ask), they stood by him.
Which makes Nash’s behavior this season all the more odd. When he walked away, he really walked away. Byron Scott would have appreciated his presence as a mentor to the Lakers young guards. Again, if the reports are accurate, Nash blew him off. The trouble is, the Lakers are paying Steve Nash $9,000,000 for this season. I don’t know about you, but if I’m paying someone that kind of money I expect him to be around and to contribute in any way that he is capable.
In fact, if I was his employer, I would insist on it. Perhaps, behind the scenes something is going on of which we are unaware, but Nash’s continued absence is inexcusable and very strange. It certainly diminishes his legacy in the eyes of Laker fans. If he is not careful, it could damage his reputation in the eyes of the public generally and his peers.