Steve Nash: The newest Laker says he turned down more money elsewhere to join Los Angeles and stay closer to his children.

"The idea to be close to my son, my daughters, who will be in Phoenix, was the No. 1 priority," the star point guard told ESPN's Los Angeles station Thursday. "Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic. I think I'm a good fit for the team, and we have a great team, we're a contender, that's all incredible, too."

The 38-year-old Canadian says he spoke to Lakers star Kobe Bryant by phone Monday to be sure the move had Bryant's blessing.

The Associated Press