The two-time league MVP led the Lake Show past the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting and dishing out nine assists in 41 minutes of action in the team's 118-115 come-from-behind overtime win over its division rival on the road.
Next up for Nash and the Lakers, the vaunted New York Knicks on Christmas Day.
Before Tuesday's marquee clash tips off, let's break down what Steve Nash's return to the rotation means for the Lakers in their much anticipated matchup with the Knicks.
Creator
Nash is one of the all-time best creators in NBA history. No, he won't be making Lakers fans forget about Magic Johnson anytime soon, but the 38-year-old is the best playmaker on L.A.'s roster without question.
Heading into Game No. 28 of the season on Christmas Day vs. New York, L.A. ranks 21st in the league in assists per game, averaging just 20.8 per night. In Nash's first game back, Saturday night against Golden State, the Lakers recorded 33 assists as a team, spearheaded by Nash's nine dimes.
With Nash back in the rotation, Lakers fans can expect to see better ball movement on Christmas Day and beyond.
He plays with a pace and always dribbles and penetrates with the purpose to set up others for easy looks, which is the mark of a true creator.
Outside Shooting
I'm not sure the Lakers can ever be as potent as the Knicks from beyond the arc, but Nash's return ensures that L.A. will have the firepower on the perimeter capable of toppling New York.
The Lakers already rank sixth in the NBA in three-point shooting coming into Tuesday's showdown at the Staples Center, hitting 37.2 percent of their...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
