On early Tuesday afternoon, Steve Nash sat in front of a Los Angeles Lakers backdrop wearing a black suit and tie as he publicly waved farewell by making a short statement and answering questions.
"The one thing I want to say today is a huge heartfelt thank you to the Buss family and to the entire Lakers' organization. Just an incredible experience for me to be a part of that history and tradition," Nash started out before taking questions.
Lakers owners Jim Buss and Joey Buss both attended the press conference, but Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak missed the event, as he was in Europe scouting talent.
"We know it didn't go the way we planned, but I was treated incredibly in my time here," the 41-year-old said.
To start the press conference, Nash clearly acknowledged that his time with the Lakers would always be a failure. However, he appeared at peace with the fact that he could not overcome his age and physical state to lace up a pair of sneakers and play at an NBA level because he had explored every possible avenue.
Nash said that he came into training camp expecting to be part and get through the year. The point guard said he felt up to the task and played well in the first preseason game. However, the next morning after the preseason game in San Diego proved to be the first moment that the doubt crept in. His body was a wreck. As the preseason wore on, the reality that he would not be able to slog through another season became more and more evident.
The Canadian said he met with Kupchak multiple times before making the final decision to sit out the season. Nash admitted that he was likely the last person to know his chance had gone.
"What's next?" a reporter asked.
Nash said he did not have an answer to the question and would still need six to 12 months before providing an answer to that question. However, the sure-fire first ballot Hall-of-Famer said he would be open to helping the Lakers in free agency and had already been helping a set of the younger Lakers, namely Julius Randle, Ryan Kelly and Jordan Clarkson.
The last name on that list has been the most closely connected to the recently retired superstar, and Nash said, "Jordan's been an incredible pupil."
Asked by NBCLA.com if he planned to retire in Los Angeles long-term, Nash said, "I'm going to stay in LA with my kids and make this home forever, hopefully."
So, what is the takeaway from the story of Steve Nash?
"I simply want people to remember me as a competitor and a great teammate. That's it," Nash answered a question about his legacy. "Those are the two most important things."
"I think that's what makes my story interesting, that I had one scholarship offer and wasn't ever a sure thing." Nash added. "The key ingredient was just hard work."
The Canadian serves as an incredibly positive and recent example of beating the odds and breaking the mold. Even in Hollywood, the ending does not always go according to script, but Nash continued to show class until the end.
When asked what he would like to say to his fans, Nash answered, "An incredibly heartfelt 'thank you.'"
Even in his final NBA moment, Nash couldn't help but give gratitude. That's just who Steve Nash is, and now, he's part of the City of Los Angeles, hopefully, forever.
