Steve Nash May Not Be the Answer the Los Angeles Lakers Are Looking for

Those who repeat history are doomed to ignore it.

Yeah, I know that's a bit mixed up, but it actually describes the Los Angeles Lakers' sign-and-trade deal for Steve Nash first reported by John Gambadoro of KTAR radio.

The Lakers managed an immense upgrade to their point guard position without giving up much in the way of assets. I think it may have been subtraction by addition though.

Even though Lakers' fans may be salivating at the fact that they now have four bona fide All-Stars in their starting lineup, they may be forgetting that they have been here before.

Recently.

In 2003-2004, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton all stepped on the floor to represent the purple and gold. This particular incarnation of the Lakers have more bragging rights than today's team, as all four previously mentioned players will make the Hall of Fame. (The jury is still out on Andrew Bynum's chances.)

That team did not produce a title. They made it to the Finals, but no title.

Ask anyone from Woodland Hills to Baldwin Hills and they will tell you no one throws a parade for the Western Conference Championship in Los Angeles.

Which brings me to this year's team. They have the potential to be regular season monsters. They can make some noise in the playoffs, maybe even ascending to the 2013 Finals. But, in all likelihood, there will be no title.

Steve Nash will provide easy buckets for Bynum, allowing him to bang in the post without having to beg for the ball.



Nash will reward Pau Gasol for running on the break, as well as compliment the league's best passing big man, making for great two-man basketball.

Kobe Bryant can rest easy knowing that a capable ball handler will allow him to move (or stand at the three point line) without the ball to knock down shots. This gives one of the leagues most dangerous scorers the ability to maneuve...

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