Steve Nash issues statement, told Suns owner he wants to play in Los Angeles

Steve Nash asked the Suns to be traded specifically to Los Angeles to be closer with his family. (Harry How/Getty Images)

Steve Nash issued a statement to the press on Wednesday evening following the news that the Phoenix Suns had traded the two-time MVP to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for multiple first and second round draft picks.

In the statement, obtained by Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Nash, 38, said that he asked Suns owner Robert Sarver and president of basketball operations Lon Babby to be traded specifically to Los Angeles because he wanted to be closer with his family:

"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."

In an interview at the end of June with ESPN Radio New York's Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco, Nash said he's not keen on the idea of playing for the Lakers:

"I think for me it would be hard to put on a Lakers jersey. That’s just what it is. You play against them so many times in the playoffs, and I just use them as an example with the utmost respect for them and their organization."