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The Lakers are lucky to have Phil Handy

It was LeBron James’ astoundingly clutch, one-eyed, one-legged desperation three that put the Lakers ahead and ultimately delivered their victory against the Golden State Warriors in this week’s thrilling, back-and-forth play-in game, but that shot may not have been possible if Steve Nash had gotten what he wanted in October.

Wondering what the Brooklyn Nets head coach has to do with a postseason game played the Lakers played months before the NBA Finals? Let me explain.

Way back in October, Nash — who played under Phil Handy during the veteran player development coach’s first stint as a Lakers assistant — was recruiting Handy hard to join his Nets coaching staff.