Steve Nash Signs With Los Angeles Lakers To "Stay Near Family"

As NBA teams scramble to pitch their deals before players sign their new contracts July 11, basketball fans continue to watch the trade-and-swap madness unfold.

The latest hoopster to make the solid switch is the Phoenix Sun's Steve Nash. 

According to SLAM magazine, the 38-year-old point-guard signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the cash ($27 million over three years), star power (Kobe Bryant), a shot at a championship pre-retirement and his kids.

In a statement provided to ESPN, the seasoned vet said:

"After talking with (owner) Robert (Sarver) and (president of basketball operations) Lon (Babby) we’ve agreed that it’s time for both of us to move in new directions. I approached them and asked if they would be willing to do a sign and trade deal with L.A. because it is very important to me to stay near my children and family. They were very apprehensive and didn’t want to do it. Fortunately for me, they reconsidered. They saw that they were able to get assets for their team that will make them better, assets they would not have otherwise had and it made sense for them to do a deal that helps their team get better."

Nash said there were no harsh feelings with his former team and wished them success. "The Phoenix Suns are an amazing organization and fans should be excited about their future. I hope the Suns win a championship some day soon for all the amazing fans and wonderful people in the organization.”

Not even 24 hours after his move to L.A., the Lakers' newest addition is reportedly pushing to recruit his ex-Sunmate Grant Hill to add to the tough line-up of Bryant, Nash, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.