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Jackson said he believes the Lakers made the decision largely based on catering to Steve Nash, their 39-year-old point guard who was limited to 50 games this season as he battled a variety of injuries. "I think it didn't happen because there was some concern how are we going to move in the right direction for this ballclub," Jackson said. "When Mitch gave me the call close to midnight on Sunday night right before I was going to give them an answer Monday morning and said, 'We've made a choice. We're going to hire Mike D'Antoni. We think he's the best coach for this group of guys.' My answer was, 'For Steve Nash, yes, I agree but for Dwight Howard, I'm not so sure.' "In the process of thinking about how they could best use the team I think they thought first and foremost about Steve Nash and how Steve Nash was going to fit inside of an offensive system that I coach. ... I think that was a concern for them." ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson, Steve Nash, Coaching, Mike D'Antoni 

According to sources with knowledge of the situation, part of the discussion between Howard and Kupchak centered around Howard's frustration with D'Antoni -- particularly how the center felt marginalized as the coach looked to Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions and discounted Howard's voice. ESPN.com

Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash 

Jay Janower: Steve Nash's production company doing a documentary on Gay Soccer player Robbie Rogers. Formers Leeds player training with LA Galaxy. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash 

When he signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Lakers last year, Nash vowed he would play it out to its conclusion. He’ll turn 41 before that happens, an age when two other legendary guards, John Stockton and Bob Cousy, were in their sunset seasons but still able to show the young ones a thing or two about passing and hitting clutch shots. “There’s a chance that that (41) could be it. A big chance,” Nash said. “But you never know how it goes, or how I’ll feel. Anything can happen between now and then.” Vancouver Sun

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash 

"I thought for a while now that it's not going to be a big issue," Lakers guard Steve Nash said "Of course, the detractors won't have as big of a voice now because they're not going to want to sound like the one jerk. But it's not fair for Jason to say this is going to be a walk in the park and he's everybody's new best friend. "It appeared, though, Collins feels ready to take on that challenge. "I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore," he wrote. "I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, 'Me, too.'" Los Angeles Daily News

Steve Nash, Jason Collins 

Steve Nash made his pitch for Dwight Howard's return Monday during his exit interview: "I'm very hopeful that Dwight will be back. I think this is the place for him. He's in the prime of his career, he's got his best years ahead of him, he can play for one of the greatest franchises in sports in an amazing city. So this has got to be the place for him. I'm hopeful that he sees it that way, and hopefully as teammates we can be here to support him through this, and find him back here with us July 1st," he said. Sulia

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard 

Janis Carr: Nash supports JCollins. Said its great that he’s strong enough to come out. "Can make huge impact on people, especially young people." Twitter @janiscarr

Steve Nash, Jason Collins 

Mike Trudell: Nash: "I'm very hopeful that Dwight will be back. I think this is the place for him. I'm hopeful he sees it that way." Twitter @LakersReporter

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard 

Mike Trudell: Nash: "I always work hard ... I don't take a lot of time off." Has no concern about long term issues. Expects to be fully healthy by camp. Twitter @LakersReporter

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Injuries 

Mike Trudell: With all the talent and skill Kobe and Nash have, Chris Duhon was astounded with how much they still devoted to daily improvement. #HOF Twitter @LakersReporter

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Chris Duhon 

Mike Trudell: Metta World Peace (knee), Steve Nash (back, etc), Jodie Meeks (ankle) and Steve Blake (hamstring) are all out for Game 4. Twitter @LakersReporter

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Injuries, Jodie Meeks, Metta World Peace 

L.A. Lakers star Steve Nash thinks he has a good reason NOT to pay child support -- if he does, he thinks his ex-wife will spoil the kids with limos and other luxuries. Nash is locked in a legal war with Alejandra Nash over their 3 kids. She currently lives in Arizona, where a judge handled their divorce and ruled she was not entitled to child support. She's appealing the ruling and we now know what they're arguing over. Steve convinced the divorce judge -- Alejandra doesn't need child support because he made her a millionaire 5 times over in the divorce settlement. On top of that, she pulls in more than $30k a month. TMZ.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Law 

Steve is saying he's paying plenty -- 90% of medical, school and extracurricular activities, and 82% of the nanny's $2k a month salary. He says he's worried if he pays more, she's an excessive spender who will spoil and damage the kids with crazy luxuries. But there's more going on here. As we previously reported ... Alejandra wants to move to L.A. but Steve is objecting. It's really weird, because the b-baller has said he chose to go to the Lakers rather than the Knicks so he could be closer to his kids. TMZ.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Law 

Dave McMenamin: Stave Blake is out indefinitely with a strained hammy. Nash received two epidurals and a cortisone shot and is doubtful. Meeks also doubtful Twitter @mcten

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks 

Nash, who had just nine points (four of eight shooting) and six assists in 31 minutes, will have his third epidural in eight days on Thursday with the hopes of being able to play in Game Three in Los Angeles on Friday. Blake (16 points on six of 15 shooting) will have an ultrasound on Thursday to determine his condition as well. "Unfortunately I tweaked it in the first half and tried to keep going," Nash said. "It got worse as the game went on, so I'm kind of back against it again. "I'm going to have a repeat epidural in the morning and see if I can get any improvement out of it and then we'll see on Friday." USA Today Sports

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Injuries 

Dave McMenamin: Steve Nash on Kobe Bryant tweeting: "He should do whatever he needs to do to keep himself sane" Twitter @mcten

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash 

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash believes he knows why the Dallas Mavericks missed the playoffs this year for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. “Obviously, it turned into a pretty tough situation to succeed when they had to sign all those guys to one-year deals,’’ Nash told the Star-Telegram following Monday’s practice at the Texas Military Institute. “You’re not only putting a bunch of new guys on the team. “But you’re also trying to put a bunch that don’t know what their future is together. So that’s a difficult situation.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash 

Dwain Price: "Obviously he can play better. He has been the MVP twice, so we’ve all seen that.'' -- Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni on point guard Steve Nash Twitter @DwainPrice

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Mike D'Antoni 

One season of hobbling later, not to mention two epidural injections that allowed him to return, and the predictable questions are back about whether this could be his end. "No, no; not even close," he said when asked if he considered retirement this season. "When I was healthy this year, I felt really good. I think still, for the amount of opportunities that I've got on this team, I still was just as efficient as I've always been. "As far as how I felt and my ability, once I got my legs back under me after breaking my leg, I felt as good as ever and still feel pretty optimistic (that) I'll feel that way next year." USA Today Sports

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash 

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash is very happy that his friend -- Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki -– is about to become a father for the first time. Nowitzki said his wife, Jessica, is slated to give birth to the couple's first child in the latter part of this summer. “I’m thrilled for him,’’ Nash told the Star-Telegram after Monday’s practice at the Texas Military Institute. “I told him how pumped I am for him and how excited I am. “It’s going to be such a thrill for him and Jessica. He’s going to be a great dad.’’ Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki