In stunning fashion, the Los Angeles Lakers have swooped under the noses of the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors and have acquired a top veteran point guard in Steve Nash. The Canadian had been weighing and considering a $36million/3 year deal from the Toronto Raptors and a possible sign and trade to the New York Knicks, which would have paid him just under $10 million per year. Instead, Nash is now heading to Hollywood in a sign and trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, who in return will send four draft picks to the Phoenix Suns.
The four picks include two first rounders and two secound rounders and will give the Suns something to build around with the departure of their franchise player. The Suns also reportedly offerred former second overall pick Michael Beasley a contract on Wednesday.
Nash will make $27 million over 3 years in what many believe will be his last contract in the NBA. At 38 years of age, Nash will be looking to win his first championship ring alongside the likes of future hall of famer Kobe Bryant, and big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. On paper, the Lakers would seem to have compiled a team that can win the West, and challenge the Miami Heat for an NBA title.
Nash’s move to the Lakers will break the hearts of those in Canada, as the British Columbia native had been highly coveted by Toronto Raptor fans and the Raptors had been viewed as a frontrunner for his services. General manager Bryan Colangelo will now have no choice but to regroup and set his sights elsewhere.
Is Nash now a hated figure around the league? My opinion says no, but he may not be the highly adored figure that he once was.
What do you think?