Hoop dreams: Steve Nash loves his Whitecaps

LOS ANGELES — The crush of media in Los Angeles had one thing on their agenda Tuesday.

Inquiring minds wanted to know how Kobe Bryant’s foot was doing. But there, just a short square pass away, stood Lakers guard Steve Nash; the proud co-owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps, and eager to sing the praises of the first ever Canadian team to make Major League Soccer’s playoffs.

“It’s a great accomplishment for the Whitecaps in their second year, in our second season to make the playoffs,” Nash told Sportsnet.

“It’s a great building block. I think it gives not only the fans something to get excited about and to build on but it gives the players and the franchise to build on for next season as well. Regardless of how well we do it’s a great accomplishment.”

Of course, Nash doesn’t mind talking basketball at all, especially on the first day of the Lakers’ regular season. But deep down inside burns a passion for soccer. Whether its playing the beautiful game, watching his beloved Tottenham in the English Premier League, or cheering on the Whitecaps, the Victoria native will gladly answer a couple of soccer questions.

“Yes, I will be there Thursday night at the Home Depot Center,” Nash said matter of factly when quizzed about the Whitecaps-Galaxy playoff clash Thursday night.

A pretty simple and obvious response when you think about it quickly. But just like a hurried Darren Mattocks strike that misses the target, some things look a lot easier to do from the sidelines.

Consider this: after a home game on Tuesday, the Lakers play the next night in Portland and return home Friday for a date with the Clippers. But three games in four nights won’t stop Nash from witnessing history, even though deep down he knows that the Whitecaps are in tough against the defending MLS champions.

“They (LA) should be the heavy favourites,” Nash admitted candidly. “They are last year’s champs and at their best they are dominant.”

But all that being said, when it comes to a winner take all match, anything can happen on the day — something Nash knows better than most, after winning his fair share in NBA playoffs and Olympic qualifying games.

“On a one off, who knows and I think our guys should feel really excited about that opportunity,” Nash said.

They’re words any underdog would love to hear, especially coming from someone who is a two time NBA MVP.

So for the record, and all those inquiring minds, Bryant’s foot was good enough to allow him to play Tuesday against Dallas and Steve Nash thinks his Whitecaps are good enough to put their best foot forward against the Galaxy.

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.