Steve Nash: Missing in Action

Oct 6, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash (10) gestures after making a three pointer during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Valley View Casino Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Nash decided to shut it down before the beginning of the season and he hasn’t been heard from since.

Byron Scott tried contacting him and didn’t hear back from him for several weeks. As mentioned by Kevin Ding in his article, there may be some hope Nash can help convince a superstar like Kevin Durant to join the Lakers in free agency because of the way he’s been treated by the purple and gold in this unfortunate situation, but there’s no guarantees.

For all the Lakers have done in supporting him, protecting his reputation and paying him nearly 10 million dollars as a bystander, the least he can do is mentor the team. Obviously his jersey will be retired by the Phoenix Suns and he’ll enter the Hall of Fame, but for all the accolades he’s been showered with Lakers fans remember him this way:

Nov 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash sits on the bench during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-85. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

He doesn’t attend practices, show up for games or communicate with the Lakers organization. Sure, he had a great career, but for Lakers fans it’s been nothing short of a disaster. Forgive us for not feeling sorry for you as you hit balls at the driving range, release documentaries and hold up a roster spot.

There’s been rumors Nash could be traded because of his expiring contract and the Lakers were granted a $4.85 million dollar disabled-player exception. In my opinion, the Lakers should get something in return for Nash since he basically wasted space on our roster.

In professional sports it can be a harsh, yet forgiving environment. But in Nash’s case, the question is “What have you done for us lately?”

The answer “who knows?” Last time we checked he was on a back on a milk carton. Missing in Action.