Any credible analysis of the blockbuster Dwight Howard trade has termed it a clear win for the Los Angeles Lakers. After getting significantly better in July with the addition of point guard Steve Nash , the Lakers have now added the NBA’s best center and look primed to challenge the Miami Heat for the NBA title next season. It was a great trade for the team, the kind that any front office needs to make when it’s available.
Yet, while the Lakers pretty obviously improved themselves on Thursday night, they are far from a sure thing. Even before Howard’s arrival, L.A. had a lot to figure out for next season at both ends of the court. While Nash is one of the best offensive point guards in NBA history and makes everyone around him better, he’s also used to handling the ball a lot — when he passes, it’s usually because a shot is clearly available, not because he’s beginning to initiate the offense. There’s a question as to exactly how Nash’s role will change on a team that also includes Kobe Bryant, another player used to handling the ball who hasn’t always been a willing sharer with stars such as Pau Gasol and the now-departed Andrew Bynum.
Would the Lakers shift to becoming more of a pick-and-roll team with Nash, or would they feature some uneasy hybrid of offenses controlled by Nash and Kobe? With Howard on board, these questions only become greater concerns.
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