Steve Nash: How Nash Could Help Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks

Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, has made a career out of torturing opposing Western Conference franchises.

The 37-year-old has helped the purple and orange defeat some of the most decorated teams out west in the regular season, and the postseason, including the Los Angeles Lakers (2006 and 2007), San Antonio Spurs (2010) and Dallas Mavericks (2005).

But is it possible that Nash could help one of these bitter rivals win the Larry O'Brien Trophy next season (if there is a season)?

Forewarning, this is not another "Steve Nash trade rumor landing spots" article, this is a look at three of the league's best teams, that just happen to be located right outside Nash's Phoenix backyard, and what the two-time MVP could potentially bring to these teams given a highly-unlikely, earth-shaking roster move.

Los Angeles Lakers

If Nash somehow ended up in Hollywood next season, the Lakers would likely be without young center Andrew Bynum, who would more than likely be the piece Los Angeles would have to give up.

Derek Fisher would undoubtedly be forced to retire or play elsewhere, unless he was content to sip on Gatorade and shake hands with celebrities from the bench (who wouldn't be?).

Nash would make everyone's life easier in L.A.—Kobe would no longer bear the burden of creating offense for everyone not named Pau Gasol.

Hell, even Pau Gasol would have some weight taken off his shoulders as he develops into the second coming of Amare Stoudemire, receiving feed after feed from Nash in the paint.

Players like Matt Barnes and Ron Artest would be relevant again because Nash is getting them involved in transition, and high pick-and-roll with Gasol.

Head coach Mike Brown's newly-implemented defensive game plan would keep the Lakers strong on that side of the floor, despite Nash's shortcomings, and L.A. would certainly be in contention for the west's No. 1 seed.

San Antonio Spurs

Could Steve Nash possibly do for Tim Duncan what Magic Johnson did for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar back in the 1980s (albeit at 37 years old)?

Probably not, but he doesn't have to.

For this particular scenario to take place, Tony Parker would likely be banished to the Arizona desert, and the Spurs front office would have to be in "win now" mode.

Nash would provide San Antonio with an offensive-awakening most likely, and Tim Duncan, like most post players alongside Nash, would benefit from the point guard's crafty penetration.

Manu Ginobili would have some of the overwhelming playmaking duties thrust upon him over the past few seasons lessened, and the Spurs would be back in contention without question.

Gregg Popovich would have San Antonio's defense coached up well enough to beat anyone in the league, and the Spurs would be on their quest for the franchise's fifth ring.

Dallas Mavericks

Not to take anything away from Jason Kidd, but most NBA fans can agree that the Mavericks would have had every chance to win the title last season with Nash as their point guard instead of the 38-year-old Kidd.

Kidd's defense was paramount in leading the Mavs to the Finals last year, but his excellence on that side of the ball was distorted by his lack of dominance on the offensive end.

Like Kidd, Nash can knock down open threes when given the opportunity, but can also get his own shot from anywhere on the floor without the help of a teammate.

Nash would make Nowitzki even more dangerous in the pick-and-roll, much like Jason Terry did against the Heat in the Finals.

Jason Terry would likely be the piece that helps the Mavs land Nash, but DeShawn Stevenson and J.J. Barea could be reliable options at shooting guard with Nash bringing the ball up and running Dallas' offense.

Shawn Marion woud be reborn again, scoring in transition with ease. If Tyson Chandler were to return to the Mavs lineup, he would also be the beneficiary of some well-timed Nash alley oops and lob passes.

With Dallas' veteran group, playoff experience and solid coaching situation, Nash would be the key to a repeat in 2011-2012.

Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for the Phoenix Suns. Follow on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke