LA Lakers Rumors: Why Steve Nash Is The Only Solution for the Lakers

For the Los Angeles Lakers, the second half of the season is quite simple.

They won't be competing for another NBA championship unless they add a quality point guard.

While the Lakers have been linked to names such as Rajon Rondo, Kyle Lowry and Ramon Sessions in the past, there is only one real solution and that's a two-time league MVP.

That's right, it's Steve Nash.

The Lakers have been determined to acquire a point guard and while Nash is going to have to demand a trade to be dealt, general manager Mitch Kupchak would be making a mistake by not trying to land the Phoenix star.

If he's going to dangle Pau Gasol as bait, you might as well use him to bring in the best point guard potentially on the market.

Financially, a deal involving Gasol for Nash and either Hakim Warrick or Channing Frye works out.

Of course there would have to be more involved, but the framework for a deal is there. The Suns would most definitely demand a draft pick in return and the Lakers could help there if they wanted to.

Looking at the two stars that would be involved, Gasol has more value because he's signed for two years still.

From the Suns perspective, a frontcourt featuring Gasol and Marcin Gortat becomes a very good one. They can begin to start building their backcourt of the future in free agency and in next season's draft, which is very deep.

It's good for the Suns, but from the Lakers perspective it's very good.

They would likely have to extend Nash out to consider a deal, but even at age 38, Nash is averaging 13.9 PPG and 10.9 APG, leading the NBA in assists per game.

More importantly, he can do what the Lakers need the most.

Nash can still create. He can get the Lakers into their offense quickly and effectively. Something they aren't doing now.

He can get the ball into teammates' hands where they can have the most success. Something they aren't doing now.

He can also keep defenses honest by knocking down the open jumpers consistently. Again, something they aren't doing now.

At the end of the day, Kobe Bryant wants another ring.

Nash wants his first ring.

Together they can make it happen. That's why the Lakers need to seriously consider making a run at Nash as the trade deadline rapidly approaches.