Four players. That’s what Steve Nash cost the Los Angeles Lakers two years ago. Two first-round picks and two second-round picks. And the GM who made the deal still has his job. One thing is clear: Kobe Bryant, King of the Lakers, likes Mitch Kupchak. He likes Steve Nash too, apparently. Nash, a two-time NBA MVP signed a three-year deal worth $28 million. (Kobe’s own extension was for $48.5 million.) Nash played 15 games last season. Collected more than half a million dollars a game, on average.
With nerve damage in his back and hamstring problems, Nash is so close to his career’s end that there’s a ghoulish movie about his demise–the plot arc involves Nash’s resistance, his fighting against time and age. This year will see the story’s end, good or bad. But in the Lakers pre-season opener, a Lakers victory, old Steve Nash played 20 minutes. Had 11 points, five assists. He says he feels good. “Just to be out there and feel pretty free is nice,” he said. It’ll make a great story if it stays that way.
