Lakers Rumors: Team Asked Steve Nash Not To Retire?

Steve Nash

Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash has taken a lot of criticism after joining the Los Angeles Lakers back in the summer of 2012. Nash was expected to come in and be a vital piece to the championship puzzle for the Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard.

Unfortunately, things didn’t exactly go as planned with Nash suffering an injury that would linger for the rest of his career in his second regular season game in purple and gold.

— Think You Know Everything About Kobe Bryant? Take The Ultimate Kobe Quiz! —

With Nash playing a total of 65 games in three years with the Lakers, the fans have ripped him apart for not retiring early and forfeiting money the team could’ve used to improve the roster. Although Nash takes the bulk of the blame, the Lakers brass actually asked him to stick around this year rather than retiring so they could try to trade his contract, according to Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding:

The Lakers asked Nash not to announce anything, according to team sources. They hoped they could trade Nash’s $9.7 million salary, not only an expiring contract, but also a giant coupon for another club to take and immediately save real dollars via insurance, to get a building block for the Lakers’ future.

Obviously, the Lakers were unable to move Nash’s deal before the NBA trade deadline last month and as a result will pay the veteran guard what he is owed. An unfortunate move for a franchise that has struggled to get back on track after going all out to build a contender a few years ago.

Although the Nash deal didn’t work out as planned, the future may be bright in Los Angeles at the point guard position. Rookie Jordan Clarkson has turned out to be a steal for the Lakers and has apparently been getting plenty of advise from Nash along the way.

Along with Clarkson making huge strides in his first season in Los Angeles, the Lakers may make a splash in free agency this season to further bolster the backcourt. A high draft pick might also be on the horizon with promising young players like Emmanuel Mudiay, Jahlil Okafor and D’Angelo Russell potentially there for the taking.

[divide]

Kobe Bryant On Handing Lakers ‘Keys’ Over Before He Retires


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: LeBron James Expected To Be Ready By Training Camp If He Undergoes Foot Surgery

With the Los Angeles Lakers getting swept in the Western Conference Finals by the Denver Nuggets, all eyes point toward the offseason…

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Interested In DJ Augustin Amid Darren Collison Report

The Los Angeles Lakers are aware of the fact they need a new backup point guard since the play of Rajon Rondo has gotten…

NBA Trade Rumors: Pelicans GM Dell Demps Has Not Provided Lakers With Clear Benchmark To Reach For Anthony Davis Trade

When Anthony Davis informed the New Orleans Pelicans he would not sign a contract extension this summer and that he wished to be traded before Thursday’s…

Lakers Rumors: Could Los Angeles Trade Anthony Davis?

It’s been two seasons since the LeBron James and Anthony Davis superstar…