Lakers, Raptors make big moves

The Steve Nash saga is finally over. First it was the Raptors, then it was the Knicks, maybe even the Nets or the Mavericks. Steve Nash is a Los Angeles Laker.


The Lakers acquired Nash on Wednesday in a sign-and-trade from Phoenix in exchange for multiple 1st and 2nd round picks. Nash, the NBA active leader in assists, adds a new dimension to the Lakers that they have not had in the Kobe Bryant era.

Steve Nash making his decision then set up a huge domino effect, as all the PGs are beginning to fall. Toronto was thought to be the likely landing spot for Nash in the early stages, but they had a Plan B.

Almost an hour after the Nash trade, the Suns replaced Nash by reuniting with Goran Dragic. Dragic, who averaged 11.7 PPG last season, was thought to be the prime target for the Houston Rockets. But with Dragic going to Phoenix, this of course set off another move.

The Raptors responded to missing out on Steve Nash by making a big move. Toronto acquired Kyle Lowry from the Rockets in exchange for Gary Forbes and a lottery protected draft pick. Lowry has the potential to be an All-Star PG, so its a great pick-up for the Raptors.

Lowry averaged 14.3 PPG and 6.6 APG last season in Houston before going down with injury. So Steve Nash is a Laker, Goran Dragic is a Sun, and Kyle Lowry is a Raptor, someone is left out.

The Rockets have struck out this offseason, failing to complete any of the big moves they've attempted. They tried to get Dwight Howard -- nope. They tried to get Pau Gasol -- sorry but no. Even Goran Dragic would not stay with the Rockets.

So what will the Rockets do? They've traded most of their assets trying to make big moves, but none of those moves came to fruition. This leaves Houston in a bit of a pickle, but there is one more chance for the Rockets.

Jeremy Lin. Linsanity is visiting with the Rockets as I write this article, and Houston has reportedly offered him a pretty good contract. But wait, Houston, we have a problem. Lin is a restricted free agent, so the Knicks can match any offer for Lin, perhaps ruining Houston's chances again of acquiring a prized player.

The good thing for the Rockets is that there is still a lot of time left in Free Agency. But as of right now, it doesn't look good in Houston.