After a trade to the LA Lakers, Steve Nash ’96 is playing for a California team for the first time since 1996.
Steve Nash ’96 has come back to California. The Canadian-born point guard was part of a sign-and-trade deal struck on the 4th of July between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers will receive the services of Nash and the Suns will receive four drafts picks (first round picks in 2013 and 2015, second round picks in 2013 and 2014). As part of the trade, Nash agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract with the Lakers.
Nash joins a star studded team in L.A., playing alongside Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum. This may finally present the two-time MVP with a chance to add a championship ring to his trophy case as Nash has never competed in the NBA Finals and the Lakers are perennial picks.
Nash has been named NBA MVP twice (2005 and 2006), an All-Star eight times (2002-2003, 2005-2008, 2010, 2012), and earned All-NBA First Team accolades three times (2005-2007). While at Santa Clara, Nash led the SCU Broncos basketball team to three NCAA tournament appearances (1993, 1995, and 1996) with upset wins over #2 seed Arizona in 1993 and #7 seed Maryland in 1996. He earned WCC Player of the Year twice (1995 and 1996). Nash graduated with a degree in sociology and was the 15th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.
The Lakers, along with Nash, will be in Fresno for a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on October 7, 2012.
Meanwhile, Phoenix may get another former Bronco point guard. Doron Perkins ’05 has been invited to the Suns’ Summer League, playing in Las Vegas. Their first game is July 15th against the New York Knicks.