As a basketball expert, I can tell you that the rules of the game have evolved over time, and so has the interpretation of what constitutes a legal layup. The layup, a fundamental shot in basketball, involves a player jumping off one foot and then releasing the ball into the basket with one or both hands. The question of how many steps can be taken during a layup is a common one, and it's important to understand the context of the rules that govern this action.

In the NBA, the rules are quite specific when it comes to the number of steps allowed during a layup. According to the official NBA rulebook, a player is allowed two steps upon the completion of a dribble. This means that after a player has dribbled the ball and has picked it up to make a layup, they can take two steps before releasing the ball. It's important to note that if a player is in the process of dribbling and then pushes off of one foot, that step is not counted as one of the two allowed steps.

However, the interpretation of these rules can sometimes be subjective, and there can be variations in how they are applied during a game. For instance, if a player appears to take more than two steps during a layup, it may be due to the speed of the play or the player's momentum. In such cases, referees will make a judgment call based on the specific circumstances.

The NBA rulebook also specifies that a player must have control of the ball before taking the steps. If a player loses control of the ball and then picks it up again, they are considered to have started a new dribble, and the steps taken after regaining control are subject to the two-step rule.

Additionally, the rulebook mentions that a player may take more than two steps if they are in the process of a shot or pass. This means that if a player is in the middle of a layup and decides to pass the ball instead, the steps taken up to that point are not penalized.

It's also worth mentioning that the "3 steps" mentioned in the reference you provided can be legal under certain conditions. For example, if a player is dribbling and then pushes off with one foot, that step is not counted. This allows the player to take two additional steps before releasing the ball for a layup, effectively making it three steps in total.

In conclusion, the number of steps a player can take during a layup in the NBA is generally two, but there are specific conditions under which a player may take more steps. Understanding these rules and their nuances is crucial for both players and referees to ensure fair play and adherence to the game's regulations.

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Andre Iguodala's layup and a supplemental screenshot. EVIDENCE OF WHY "3 STEPS" ARE LEGAL: Quote from NBA Rulebook. You're allowed 2 steps upon completion of a dribble, so if you dribble while pushing off of one foot it is not counted toward one of your 2 allowed steps.Sep 8, 2013read more >>