Throughout his entire career—Steve Nash is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have ever played the game and will eventually end up in the Hall of Fame as he approaches his final season in the league.
When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired the two-time MVP a couple of seasons ago, we all thought that he could finally win a much deserved championship. But unfortunately, things didn’t go so well. Other than the lack of camaraderie within the team, a drought of injuries set upon the Lakers which included Nash himself. After his very first game as a Laker, he immediately suffered a groin injury that forced him to sit out for quite some time. Even though he was able to return, clearly, his body was already beginning to feel the mileage of all those years—preventing him to play again at his very best.
But now, with a full summer’s rest and rehabilitation—the oldest player in the NBA right now will look to end with a bang this upcoming season for the purple and gold. Both he and Kobe Bryant will try to carry as much load as they can in fighting for a playoff spot in the ruthless Western Conference.
If Nash is able to bring back some remnants of his old self—the Lakers will definitely be a team to watch out for. The Black Mamba won’t be settling for anything less as long as there is any chance for them, and also, new head coach Byron Scott will be bringing a “defense wins championship” mentality back into the franchise—which can possibly earn them more wins than last season.
Reports out of the Lakers’ camp are that Nash has been training hard with Jeremy Lin, both having something to prove after the last couple seasons. I’m interested to see if they will be used as a one-two punch at point guard, or if they will be used in tandem as a lethal offensive backcourt with some glaring defensive deficiencies.
That all said, however this season turns out —all that Nash could ask for is to play and enjoy the game he loves for one more season, because he knows Father Time is already knocking at his doorstep.
Let’s all hope that we get to say goodbye with a smile.
Benjamin Felix Santos is currently a senior college student from the Philippines. An aspiring NBA writer, who bleeds the purple and gold. His love and passion for the game will never die.
You may find his other musings at the Lake Show Life.
Follow him on twitter: @biefsantos
