The Lakers’ offense is going to look much better in 2012-13 with 38-year old Steve Nash running the show.  Nash played in 62 games (all starts) for the Suns last year and he averaged 31.6 minutes, 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game.  He has now played in 1,152 games in his first 16 years in the NBA and he is averaging 31.4 minutes, 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game.  Nash is a career 42.8% shooter from three point range, so he will make teams pay for double teaming Kobe or Dwight Howard in 2012-13.  32-year old Steve Blake will likely remain the Lakers’ top backup at point guard in 2012-13.  Blake played in 53 games (5 starts) for the Lakers last year and he averaged 23.3 minutes, 5.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.  He has now played in 631 games (304 starts) in his first 9 years in the NBA and he is averaging 24.8 minutes, 6.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.  29-year old Chris Duhon will try to challenge Blake for the backup job in training camp.  Duhon played in 63 games (9 starts) for the Magic last year and he averaged 19.5 minutes, 3.8 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.  He has now played in 560 games (310 starts) in his first 8 years in the NBA and he is averaging 26.3 minutes, 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE POINT GUARDS IN 2012-13:  A