Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash Traded to Los Angeles Lakers; Joins Kobe Bryant in Search for his First NBA Title

By David Salazar | First Posted: Jul 05, 2012 02:05 AM EDT

Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash calls out a play during their NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Phoenix, Arizona, April 25, 2012. REUTERS/Darryl Webb (Photo : Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash )

The waiting game has ended for two-time MVP Steve Nash. The Phoenix Suns traded the 38 year-old to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday in a sign-and-trade deal that is estimated around $25 million.

The Lakers sent four draft picks-first rounds in 2013 and 2015 and second rounders in 2013 and 2014-in exchange for the point guard.

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Nash had listened to offers from the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, and even his former team the Dallas Mavericks before the trade was made.

His arrival in Los Angeles to unite with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol places the recently maligned Los Angeles Lakers back on the map as potential contenders for the NBA title. The Lakers are just two years removed from their last championship but saw themselves eliminated in five games in the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs and were swept out of the second round by the eventual Champion Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 playoffs. They have not looked like contenders in each of the playoff runs.

According to USA Today, Nash was considering retirement to spend time with his children, but ultimately decided to play another season since his new home would enable him to make one last run at his first title and still be only an hour away from his children who reside in Phoenix.

Nash finished second in the league assists per game at 10.7 and averaged 12.5 points last season.

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