Steve Nash means everything to the Mike D'Antoni-coached Los Angeles Lakers.
Yes, I'm referring to the same 38-year-old Nash who has appeared in just two games thus far and is still recovering from a fractured left fibula. That Nash. He means everything to this team.
Which is why a collective sigh should be spreading like wildfire across Los Angeles at this very moment—because the point guard is on his way back, keys to success in hand.
According to Sam Amick of USA Today, Nash is merely days away from a return to lineup after spending nearly two months riding the bench:
The Lakers are finally on the mend.
They have lost 14 of the first 25 games of this season that was supposed to be so special, but a person close to Steve Nash confirmed the point guard is hoping to return on Saturday at the Golden State Warriors after being out with a left leg injury since Oct. 31. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
Though the Lakers have shown some life over the past week or so, Nash's return could not have come at a better time. Not only is Los Angeles currently sitting outside the Western Conference playoff picture, but the team is 22nd in the league in assists (20.3) per game.
I myself have pondered how successful Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard can, and eventually will be in D'Antoni's system. That said, I'd be lying–we'd all be lying—if we didn't admit D'Antoni's arrival in Tinseltown had more to do with Nash than anyone else.
If it had been about Bryant, the Lakers wouldn't be 3-11 when he scores 30 or more points. And if it had been about Howard, the team wouldn't be struggling to get him to shoot more than 10 shots a game.
If this move had been about anyone else, D'Antoni's seat wouldn't still possess the heat it was emitting from the tragic days...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
