Lakers to acquire Steve Nash in sign-and-trade deal with the Suns

The Lakers added a point guard of the future by taking one of the best from the last two decades, plucking Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns for a slew of draft picks.

Nash, a two-time MVP, brings instant life to a Lakers offense that was moribund most of last season, likely pushing them into the upper reaches of the Western Conference, yet again.

It took eight months, but the Lakers finally used the $9-million traded-player exception they acquired from Dallas for Lamar Odom.

Did they ever.

Nash, 38, receives a three-year deal worth about $27 million. The Lakers gave up first-round picks next year and in 2015. They also gave up second-round picks next year and in 2014. The deal will not become official until July 11, when a moratorium on NBA business is lifted.

Nash was a free agent after spending the last eight seasons in Phoenix and was offered a three-year deal with the Toronto Raptors for about $36 million.

The New York Knicks were also chasing the services of the creative pass-first point guard who also has solid touch from three-point range, averaging 39% last season and 43% for his career.

Nash made $11.7 million last season and averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists for the Suns. He has played 16 NBA seasons.

Steve Blake has two more years on his contract and is penciled in as Nash’s backup. Ramon Sessions will not be re-signed after declining a one-year player option for $4.55 million last month.