Once the Los Angeles Lakers made the sign-and-trade to acquire two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, the debate began about which number would be on the front and back of his new jersey. With Wilt Chamberlain’s No. 13 long since retired, Nash had to make a decision on a new number and it appears that decision has been made.
According to Kevin Ding of OCRegister.com, Nash will be wearing No. 10:
“Nash has decided he will wear No. 10 in purple and gold for the coming season.”
Arguably the best player on the Lakers ever to wear the No. 10 is Norm Nixon. With the Lakers having no intention of retiring Nixon’s number, at least for the time being, Nash decided to go with it.
Being an avid soccer fan may have led Nash’s decision to choose No. 10. That number is usually worn by the best player on the international level like big-name players Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho.
Other players in Los Angeles that have worn a No. 10 jersey for the Lakers are Corky Calhoun, Larry Drew, Trey Johnson, Vladimir Radmanovic, Lindsey Hunter and Tyronn Lue. Obviously, none other the players mentioned were considered to be one of the few retired in the rafters at the Staples Center.
