Los Angeles Lakers’ Acquisition of Steve Nash One of the Worst Moves of All Time
By Brandon Fitzpatrick
@bfitzsports
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
It is disappointing to see a future Hall of Famer like Steve Nash crumble at the end of his illustrious career. In case you missed it, Nash will miss the entire 2014-15 with an ongoing nerve problem in his back. Nash, who is 40 years old, was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers back in the summer of 2012 in a sign-and-trade with the Phoenix Suns.
That trade will now go down as one of the worst in the history of the NBA.
The Lakers, who are clearly in a rebuilding stage, tried to form their own super team heading into the 2012-13 season, trading for Dwight Howard and Nash to form an amazing foursome alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. The Lakers were a train wreck that season, going through two coaches and getting swept in the first round of the playoffs. After this season, Nash’s third with the Lakers, he will only have played 65 regular season contests and two playoff games.
L.A. gave up a lot to get Nash. They traded away their 2013 and 2015 first-round draft picks, while also giving up second-round picks in 2014 and 2015. The 2015 first-round pick is top-five protected, which means that if the Lakers don’t get a top-five pick, they will lose that pick to the Suns.
Clearly, the Nash experiment has not worked out the way the Lakers would have hoped, but this trade has become a complete debacle. The Lakers were not thinking long-term when they made this deal, and it is coming back to hurt them big time. A team that is already one of the worst in the league might not even have their first pick next year, something that a rebuilding franchise desperately needs. The Nash deal has to be in the conversation as one of the worst NBA trades of all time.
Chicago Bulls' Pau Gasol Is Rejuvenated
Chicago Bulls PF Pau Gasol has silenced doubters and is playing some of the best basketball of his career with the Bulls. Read More
Heat Should Stand Pat During Trade Period
Although the Miami Heat are having a rough season, they shouldn't rush into signing just any player during the trade period. Read More
Outcome Predictions For Heat's Next 5 Games
The Miami Heat are in the midst of a six-game stretch against the NBA West. With the season possibly riding on the next five games, here are my game predictions. Read More
Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers look to continue with their winning ways against the Los Angeles Lakers. Find out how the game will play out. Read More
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will square off when the Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks. Find out how things will play out. Read More
76ers Becoming A Likable Cast of Characters
The Philadelphia 76ers' young roster has often been scrutinized because of Sam Hinkie and the team’s front office. But after their most recent stretch of wins, they are becoming a very likable cast. Read More
Oklahoma City: 5 Players Team Should Target
Approaching the March 1 NBA trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder should target these five players. Read More
Boston Celtics: 5 Trades Team Should Make
The Boston Celtics should make these five trades to expedite the rebuilding process. Read More
Kobe Bryant Does Not Care About Lakers
Kobe Bryant choosing to continuously sit out shows that he is done with the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Read More
Sixers Should Not Trade Tony Wroten
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have many must-keep guys, but Tony Wroten, despite interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, is certainly one of them. Here’s why. Read More
Despite Win, Lowry's All-Star Fate Takes Hit
The recent struggles of the Toronto Raptors appear to have dented Kyle Lowry's chances of starting in this year's NBA All-Star game Read More
5 Players Warriors Should Target Before Deadline
The Warriors are 29-5, but in the incredibly competitive Western Conference, you always need to look for ways to improve. Read More