Steve Nash is officially retiring from the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers–which isn’t too big of a a surprise, given that he’s been sidelined for most of his recent career by a back injury. That isn’t going to make things any less traumatic for Lakers fans. And lots of Phoenix Suns fans, and pretty much all basketball fans. [photo: Mark Davis/Getty]
At least it’s another winning day for Derek Jeter’s The Player’s Tribune website. That’s where Steve went to announce his official announcement. That site’s really turned into a really interesting place for athletes to get to tell their own story.
Nash tells his own story pretty eloquently, too…
The greatest gift has been to be completely immersed in my passion and striving for something I loved so much — visualizing a ladder, climbing up to my heroes. The obsession became my best friend. I talked to her, cherished her, fought with her and got knocked on my ass by her.
And that is what I’m most thankful for in my career. In my entire life, in some ways. Obviously, I value my kids and my family more than the game, but in some ways having this friend–this ever-present pursuit–has made me who I am, taught me and tested me, and given me a mission that feels irreplaceable. I am so thankful. I’ve learned so many invaluable lessons about myself and about life. And of course I still have so much to learn. Another incredible gift.
Read the whole thing, and then check out this video of some typical Nash highlights. We were already missing him…
