NBA: Steve Nash traded to the Lakers

The Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a deal that sends Steve Nash to Los Angeles, in exchange for a pack of draft picks. The trade, which was first broken by sports radio talk show host John Gambadoro of Sports 620 KTAR Phoenix, was later confirmed by ESPN's Marc Stein and Paul Coro, Suns beat writer for the Arizona Republic.

Nash to LA for multiple picks all but done!!! — John Gambadoro (@Gambo620) July 4, 2012          

Initial thoughts are that Suns did what was best for them getting multiple assets for Steve instead of letting him walk for nothing. — John Gambadoro (@Gambo620) July 5, 2012          

Just going up online & via SportsCenter: Sources say Suns have consented to sign-and-trade Steve Nash to Lakers for package of future picks — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 5, 2012          

In the Nash sign-and-trade, the #Suns will get 2013 & 2015 first-round picks and 2013 & 2014 second-round picks. — Paul Coro (@paulcoro) July 5, 2012          

The Suns get $3 million in the Nash trade. — Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 5, 2012        

Nash gets 3-year guaranteed $27 million deal, his agent Bill Duffy tells Y! "He's ecstatic. He gets to be close to his children," Duffy said — Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 5, 2012    

The sign-and-trade involves the Lakers sending the Suns $8.9 million the trade exception acquired last season in the Lamar Odom to Dallas Mavericks deal, along with the Lakers' first round picks in 2013 and 2015, and their second round picks in 2013 and 2014. Phoenix also receives $3 million in the deal, reports Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports. The Suns would then send a re-signed Nash to LA on a new three-year guaranteed deal, worth $27 million, Spears also wrote.

Steve Nash chose the Los Angeles Lakers over the New York Knicks, according to source. Kobe Bryant recruited him. — Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 5, 2012      

According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, Nash had been heavily recruited by Lakers star Kobe Bryant. ESPN's Stein also reports that Nash will now try to help recruit Suns teammate Grant Hill to join the Lakers as well. Nash had been the target of the Toronto Raptors, the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks before choosing LA. The deal cannot be officially completed until July 11 (July 12, PHL time), which is when the moratorium on signing new contracts is lifted. The 38-year-old Nash averaged 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 0.6 steals last season in 62 games. Despite his advanced age, the two-time NBA MVP and eight-time All-Star is still considered one of the top-flight point guards in the league. - AMD, GMA News