Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash may have played his last game in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform. Nash is well aware of the fact that his career could be coming to an end, but wants to continue battling and hopes to return.
The veteran point guard is under contract for one more season with the Lakers and will be paid a premium ($9.7 million) in the process. Nash wants to continue playing the game he’s come to love after 18 years in the NBA and doesn’t regret saying that he wants the lucrative sum he’s set to earn next season.
— Lakers Nation Store Is Back! Check Out The Latest Gear! —
Nash talked about feeling right in the Grantland.com series, The Finish Line, about wanting to earn $9.7 million he’s owed next season according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Steve Nash says @Grantland33 series felt right, "backlash be damned… It felt right…. to be open and to hell with being judged."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 17, 2014
There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding the immediate future for Nash. Many have speculated that the Lakers will use the stretch provision on the veteran in the off-season. This would force the team to pay the $9.7 million to Nash over the next three years, but it would impact the team’s cap space for three years rather than paying it in full next year.
Although there’s been no final decision on whether Nash will released by the team, simply retire or be retained, all signs point to the veteran playing out the rest of his contract.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
NBA History: Lakers Steve Nash Moves Into 3rd All-Time Assists, Mark Jackson Tweets