Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash is having a second look at retirement, as the rejuvenated two-time NBA MVP playmaker feels he could still play at a high level beyond this season.
Nash, who is playing the final year of his three-year contract with the Lakers, is not counting out the possibility he will play again next season, depending on how he feels this year.
The 40-year star stressed that he prefers to stay in Los Angeles, if he ever decides to return next season. However, with the Lakers likely looking for fresher legs at the point position, it's not much of a stretch to think he might play for another team before he calls it career - unless he's willing to join the Los Angeles Clippers.
"My health, enjoyment and effectiveness," Nash told reporters via Fan Sided. "If I have a chance to play, it would have to be here. I'm not going to at this stage move somewhere else for a season and move my kids there."
The Skinny
Nash entered this year's training camp pain-free and more conditioned than he had been the past two years. If he stays healthy throughout the season, Nash is certainly capable of making a big impact to this Lakers team that direly needs more firepower outside star Kobe Bryant.
The Lakers might have missed elite free-agents this offseason, but general manager Mitch Kupchak managed to add some solid talents by acquiring Jeremy Lin (trade), Carlos Boozer (silent bidding), Ed Davis (free-agency) and Julius Randle (draft).
Still, many analysts believed the team's roster makeup won't be enough for them to get past other teams in a very stacked-up Western Conference. Thus, missing the postseason seems to be inevitable.
For Nash, his tenure with the Lakers will hinge on the club's position in the Western Conference ladder midway into the season. If the Lakers manage to stay in playoff picture, then there's no reason to trade Nash. However, an early collapse for the team could prompt Kupchack to roll the dice and ship Nash in exchange for assets.
The Clippers, who remain one of the favorites to come out the West, have previously expressed interest in getting Nash. And it won't be shocking for them to inquire again on the availability of the playoff-proven veteran.
Again, this should be taken with a grain of salt, but everything are pointing towards the Clippers making that move for a championship hungry Nash. The Lakers would be wise to give the future Hall of Famer a chance to win a title, if playoffs is no longer reachable.
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