LA Lakers' Nash joins 10,000 club

HOUSTON, Texas - Agence France-Presse

Steve Nash of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on December 25, 2012. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck

Canada's Steve Nash became just the fifth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career assists, hitting the milestone in the Los Angeles Lakers' 125-112 loss to Houston Tuesday.

Nash notched his 10,000th assist in the first half, making him the fourth fastest to reach the mark in league history (1,162 games). He finished with 16 points and 10 assists.

The historic marker came late in the half as the 17-year veteran found Antawn Jamison to give Los Angeles a 62-57 lead.

The Lakers were without two of their top scorers, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol, who were out with injuries.

Nash joins John Stockton (15,806), the New York Knicks' Jason Kidd (11,969), Mark Jackson (10,334) and Magic Johnson (10,141) in the exclusive club.