Lakers Rumors: Steve Nash Trade Makes L.A. Best Destination for Dwight Howard

Steve Nash's arrival to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Phoenix Suns makes the purple and gold the best trade destination for Orlando Magic superstar center Dwight Howard.

As Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld points out, Howard wanted to play with Nash this past season in Orlando:

"

Dwight Howard asked the Magic to pursue Steve Nash in February. With Nash, will Howard give the Lakers a long-term commitment? We'll see.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 5, 2012"

Earlier this week, Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM reported a possible scenario in which the Lakers could acquire Howard:

"

Source: Lakers are prepared to offer the Andrew Bynum and Metta World Peace to the Magic for Dwight Howard provided Howard signs extension

— Jarrod N Rudolph (@JRudolphSports) July 3, 2012"

Even if Howard doesn't commit to a contract extension, the Lakers should make a trade for him anyway.

With the Oklahoma City Thunder becoming the new team to beat in the Western Conference, the Lakers need to make moves this summer to strengthen their roster if they want to have a chance at defeating the Thunder in the playoffs going forward.

Nash is the perfect playmaker for the Lakers and, specifically, a player like Howard. A center with the amount of amazing athleticism that Howard has would dominate alongside a point guard like Nash who can pass better than almost anyone in the NBA. Pick-n-rolls, alley oops and fast-break opportunities would all be situations where Howard and Nash would be unstoppable together.

Nash doesn't need the ball to make a difference in the Lakers' offense. With Howard in the paint, Nash would be able to roam around the three-point line and force defenses to choose between double teaming Howard and leaving Nash open, or defending Howard one-on-one.

If defense choose to double Howard in the low post, Nash will make them pay from beyond the arc. His outside shooting is consistently good.

The Lakers are the best fit for Howard because he can win championships, play with a great point guard and not have to endure the pressure of being the face of the franchise. There's no reason for him to want to play anywhere else.

Follow @NicholasGoss35