Kobe Bryant Closes Steve Nash Deal, Still Best Closer in the Game

On July 4th, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak hit one out of the park by bringing Steve Nash to the Lakers on a three-year, $27 million deal (reported by ESPN), but Kupchak's dealings are just one piece in this amazing move.

Kobe Bryant played a pivotal role in acquiring Steve Nash, a player who mere days ago said (via LA Times) "it would be hard to put on a Lakers jersey," proving once again that when the Mamba is given an opportunity to close, he's still the best in the game.

In an interview with 710 ESPN's Max Kellerman and Mychael Thompson (link to full podcast here), Nash confirmed he spoke with Kobe Bryant before the trade and entertained the idea of a proposed pairing: 

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"[Kobe felt the team needed] Somebody to handle the ball and lead.. He also felt that we're complementary leaders. I'm more on the positive side, he's more.. as he said it 'cracks the whip.'"

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In their phone conversation, the two future Hall of Famers visualized how this duo could operate on the court:

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"[More] Pick and roll.. adding that to the offense. And being able to space the floor for the big guys inside."

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Kupchak certainly deserves credit for orchestrating this blockbuster deal and being patient with the $8.9 million trade exception he acquired in the Lamar Odom trade—a necessary piece to facilitate this deal—but the heavy lifting should definitely be awarded to Bryant and his recruiting.

Bryant realized the Lakers needed a player like Steve Nash to bring together an offense that had difficulty finding an identity during their first year under Lakers head coach Mike Brown. 

Nash is instant offense—the one player who can get Kobe his touches, deliver Bynum the ball in the paint, allow Pau Gasol to work the screen-and-roll game and finally make this Lakers team operate at a harmonious level.

Bryant has never played alongside an elite point guard in his 16-year career, so when the opportunity arose to lock down Nash this week, in true Mamba fashion, he went in for the kill.

Continuing in his first interview as a Laker on ESPN Radio, Nash gave the answer every Laker fan wants to hear when asked what it would mean to win a championship:

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"I just want to work everyday so that I can be ready and in the best possible place, skill-wise and fitness-wise, for when camp starts so that I can help the team the best I can. And if we grow everyday as a team and work and get better and more cohesive, we're going to have a chance to win a championship."

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The two-time MVP added:

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"I don't want to get too far ahead, and right now I want to get my training in the right place.. I think if you look at the pieces, if we can really find a way to come together, everyone stays healthy and we play to the best of our abilities, we should be in the running."

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The Lakers may have named Glenn Carraro to the assistant GM post this June, but we know who's really calling the shots alongside Kupchak from the Lakers tower.

The question becomes now: Who else does Kobe want in Lakerland?