It was reported late last night that Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash was considering medical retirement as he’s out for at least the next two weeks with a nerve injury in his back.
The 39-year-old guard hasn’t been the same since fracturing his leg in his second game as a Laker last season against the Portland Trail Blazers. Nash only played 50 games last season and the Lakers came into this season with the idea that he wouldn’t play on back-t0-back nights.
However, Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLA.com reports that Nash isn’t looking to retire whatsoever:
DAntoni said Nash is working with his Canadian trainer again and is absolutely trying to come back
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 19, 2013
Just like last season, 2013 has been a rough go of things for Nash as he’s averaging 6.7 points and 4.8 assists, but looks like a shell of his former self. The two-time MVP award winner was brought to the Lakers in hopes of winning his first NBA title, but his time in purple and gold has been filled with doctor appointments.
If Nash were to retire, the Lakers would pay him the $9.3 million owed to him this season, but they’d be off the hook for the $9.7 million owed to him next season. Without him in the lineup, point guard Steve Blake has excelled in the starting lineup and he’s averaged close to 12 assists in his last four games.
Don’t look for Nash to be back anytime soon, but it does sound like he’s going to try everything he can to get back on the floor in hopes of turning around his Lakers career.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ICYMI: Steve Blake talks about being comfortable in the Lakers offensive system.
