Agent confirms Nash is going to the Lakers

PHOENIX - Steve Nash’s agent Bill Duffy says the two-time MVP point guard is going to the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns.

The 38-year-old Nash, who spent the past eight seasons with the Suns, was a free agent, but a sign-and-trade agreement was necessary for the Lakers to afford him.

He agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract. In return, the Suns get four draft picks - first rounders in 2013 and 2015 and second rounders in 2013 and 2014.

Nash’s agent Bill Duffy said the deal was finalized Wednesday about 9 p.m., EDT.

In a statement released by the agent, Nash said that after he and the Suns agreed to part ways, he re-approached them to ask to pursue a sign-and-trade deal with Los Angeles “because it is very important to me to stay near my children and family,” who live in Phoenix.

“They were very apprehensive and didn’t want to do it,” Nash said.

“Fortunately for me, they reconsidered.”