For now, the Los Angeles Lakers are committed to Steve Nash. The point guard has one more year on his contract and then will likely retire from the league. The issue is that one year is worth $9.8 million and crippling any offseason moves for the Lakers. As Nash's name now continues to be brought up in trade rumors leading up to the NBA draft and official start to the offseason, who could replace the point guard?
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports that while the Lakers are content with letting Nash finish out the final year of his contract, they are still considering trading him before being forced to pay him. A trade for Nash will be extremely hard to come by. The veteran is no longer a starting player, but his contract is too high to keep him on the bench. The fact is, Nash has played in just 65 games over the past two seasons and while he claims to be getting healthy in the offseason, there is no guarantee it will stay that way.
Kyler mentioned the Lakers and Bulls could work out a sign-and-trade with Nash and Carlos Boozer. Chicago has been looking to dump off Boozer and would gladly welcome Nash as insurance to Derrick Rose. The Lakers would likely toss in someone like Jodie Meeks to make the deal work. Chicago would end up shaving $7 million off the books, freeing up space for a big-named player.
If a trade does not work out, the Lakers will likely look to the NBA Draft for help at the point guard position. According to LakersNation.com, the team could be looking to Syracuse point guard Tyler Ennis as the next point guard for the team. The rookie recently spoke with the media and noted it would be an honor to play with Nash.
"Nash is definitely one of the best point guards who played the game and he's one of my favorite players," Ennis said. "To go to a team and learn from him would be amazing for my career."
If Ennis is off the board at No. 7, the Lakers could aim for Shabazz Napier. The senior has the most experience of the top point guards in the draft and many believe he could start right away. Given Nash's injury history, that might be needed. There is no guaranteeing that he is ready for the season much less plays an impactful amount of time. A top point guard in the draft might be the best way to go.
