Lakers’ Steve Nash turns 39 years old

Lakers point guard Steve Nash turned 39 Thursday. Now in his 17th season, the 6-foot-3 Santa Clara product has had a remarkable career in the NBA.

Earning back-to-back league MVP awards with the Phoenix Suns for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 season, Nash will go down as one of the NBA’s all-time best shooters.

On his career, Nash has averaged 14.4 points and 8.6 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field, 42.8% from three-point range and 90.3% from the line.

Nash missed 24 games this season with a leg injury. Through 25 appearances he’s averaging 11.9 points and 7.8 assists. He’s second on the team in field goal percentage (behind Dwight Howard) at 52.3%. Nash is also hitting 43.8% from three-point territory and 90% from the line.

The Lakers acquired Nash over the summer in a sign-and-trade deal, sending over their 2013 first-round pick (unprotected) along with other draft considerations and cash. Nash signed a three-year deal for $27.9 million.

Nash is the only Laker under contract for the 2014-15 NBA season. At 39, he’s the fourth oldest player in the league behind Kurt Thomas, Grant Hill and Jason Kidd.

Both Kobe Bryant and Nash were drafted in 1996. Bryant, now 34 years old, was picked 13th by the Charlotte Hornets (sent to the Lakers on draft day). Nash was selected 15th by the Phoenix Suns.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.