After coming off a difficult season, the Los Angeles Lakers experienced an even more difficult offseason where they saw the potential face of their franchise, Dwight Howard, leave for the Houston Rockets. 

The Lakers are now faced with figuring out how to put old and new pieces together while their star player recovers from surgery. 

While the fanbase might seem weary about the current state of their team, Steve Nash appeared optimistic about his team's chances when we caught up with him. 

Watch now to listen to Steve Nash talk about his health status, Kobe's return and where the Lakers stand going into the 2013-14 season. 

Do you think the Lakers are still contenders? Let us know what you think in the comments below.