Steve Nash won't be coming home to Canada.

ESPN.com reported Wednesday night that the veteran point guard from Victoria has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns.

The website reported that Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, will team up with Kobe Bryant because the move allows him contend for a title and stay in close proximity to his three children in Phoenix.

Nash's decision will surely cause disappointment among fans of the Toronto Raptors.

Canada's only NBA team made a hard pitch to bring the 38-year-old to Toronto.

According to ESPN sources, Nash will receive a three-year deal in excess of US$25 million through the sign-and-trade deal with
Phoenix.

The deal involves a trade exception created after the Lakers dealt Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks in December.

Nash is the general manager of Basketball Canada