Are the Lakers the favorite to win the West with the signing of Steve Nash?

1. 60

   jdmanistaposted 13 years ago

   Are the Lakers the favorite to win the West with the signing of Steve Nash?
   
   Yesterday the Los Angeles Lakers signed Steve Nash adding an All-Star caliber guard to their starting line-up. Does this make them the favorite to win the West?
   
   

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2. 68

   Pkittockposted 13 years ago

   This absolutely makes the Lakers a better team. Nash makes EVERYONE better offensively with his passing and ability to get people the ball in their hotspots. That being said, I'm not sure if that puts the Lakers ahead of the Thunder or even the Spurs. Nash does nothing to improve the defensive efficiency of LA, and obviously doesn't make them any younger or athletic. I'm not sure if they can keep up with the high-flying Thunder, and especially not over the course of a full series where the Thunder can wear down the Lake Show with their athleticism. I think it's between LA and San Antonio for second in the west- the Spurs are the defending runner up and have always given Nash trouble. The Clippers and Grizzlies are the darkhorses in the west, as are the Timberwolves- especially if Brandon Roy (just signed) is healthy and the Blazers fail to match their offer sheet for Nicolas Batum.

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3. 62

   GeneralHowitzerposted 13 years ago

   The aging Nash can be definitely an asset for the Lakers but they will have their hands full against powerhouse teams in the East like Miami, Chicago and Boston...

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4. 69

   pmanpartymanposted 13 years ago

   Its too early to tell. Nash would def solidify LA being a top 3 team if they keep Bynum and Gasol but it looks like theyre trying to dish Gasol. We'll see by the beginning of next season.

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5. 79

   ecogginsposted 13 years ago

   Not the favorite, but definitely a threat. The Oklahoma Thunder will remain the favorite to win the Western Conference, but with one more key acquisition the Lakers will definitely be in the thick of it. However, we would be remiss not to inlcude San Antonio in the conversation. Greg Popovich is definitely the best coach in the NBA and they have put together an impressive set of role players that could quietly lead the West again like last season.

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