Steve Nash had another sub-par night on the court tonight. In 20 minutes, Nash was two-for-eight from the field with five points and four assists. There were a few possessions, much like the game against the Hawks, where Nash was able to create some shots for himself off the dribble, but just wasn’t able to see those fall.
While Nash wasn’t the only ineffective point guard (Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar were a combined six-for-15 from the field with 20 points and eight assists) Nash’s age and health remains a huge concern for this Lakers team.
After the game Nash discussed some of those issues with the media in the locker room. “I feel like I’m getting a little bit better, but the body is the main thing,” said a frustrated Nash. “If I can kind of get that to agree with me a little more — the good news is I still feel like I’m getting to my spots. I’m still getting in the paint and areas where I’m getting openings for shots that I’ve knocked down my entire career. I still feel like there’s a chance there, but I still feel like the body’s gotta come around a little bit.”
If Nash isn’t able to improve on his ability to create for himself and others, there might come a time where it makes sense to move him to the bench, but that might disrupt the chemistry that the second unit has built.
Much like the other four games, the bench outscored the starting unit, recording 72 points on the night. Pau Gasol was the only Lakers starter in double figures with 10 points to go along with eight rebounds and four assists.
Nash, has already dealt with ankle and neck injuries and is still bothered by nerve damage from when he broke his fibula during the second game of last season. Nash’s health is going to have to improve if the Lakers as a team are going to get better.
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Steve Nash talks about still dealing with nerve issues stemming from his broken leg last year
