Even if they never played for our Los Angeles Lakers, there are just certain superstars on rival Western Conference franchises that you cannot hate and can only tip your hat to. One of those is undoubtedly Dirk Nowitzki, the do-it-all big man who perfected a number of post moves and fadeaway en route to 14 All-Star appearances and an NBA championship in 2011.
It was that championship season where Dirk and the Dallas Mavericks swept the Lakers in the second round of the playoffs and shattered any hopes LA had for another three-peat. However, the seven-footer gave 21 seasons to the franchise and stuck with them through thick and thin, even reportedly turning down massive contract offers from the purple and gold to team up with the late, great Kobe Bryant.
And we finally get to see Nowitzki officially get inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame very soon along with the likes of Pau Gasol, Dwyane Wade and more. Players usually have a notable teammate, friend and/or coach by their side when they get their name called and Dirk has opted to have none other than Steve Nash along with Jason Kidd.
"The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced details for the upcoming enshrinement ceremony for the class of 2023, including the former inductees selected to present the new class. Among them, Dirk Nowitzki selected former teammates Steve Nash and Jason Kidd to join him in the ceremony slated for August 12 in Springfield, Massachusetts at Symphony Hall."
(Via MavsMoneyBall)
Nash suited up for the Lakers in both 2013 and 2014 but injuries led to him playing a combined 65 games across both seasons. He was brought in to help take the ball-handling and shot creation load off of Kobe Bryant while also to work the pick and roll with Dwight Howard. When all of their stars played, it was beautiful basketball but they just could never string together that group consistently.
Nash's overall playing career needs no introduction seeing that he was one of the best true point guards to ever take the floor and he continued his passion for the game by coaching the Brooklyn Nets most recently from 2020-2022.
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