While Steve Nash has been to China numerous times before and will try to enjoy this experience with his teammates, he has other things on his mind. After a season filled with injuries and now dealing with an ankle injury, Nash’s only concern is getting ready for the regular season.
In an interview with Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, Nash repeated how this China trip is an important time for him as the regular season approaches:
“I can’t lose sight of that (preparing for the season). I’m overcoming a long summer of rehabilitation and just starting to play again really in the last few weeks, so it’s an important time for me and I’d be mistaken not to remind myself of that everyday.”
Nash was able to participate in practice today and hopes that he keeps getting stronger and finding his rhythm:
“I still really got to find my rhythm. This is the time of year where I need to play my way into that rhythm and confidence. These days are difficult in some respects because you don’t quite have it yet, but in another respect, it’s to be expected and you got to keep fighting.”
Nash has been working extremely hard throughout the entire off-season to redeem himself for last season. He suffered a freak injury against the Portland Trail Blazers last season and was never able to return to form. Nash helped the Lakers reach the playoffs, but he was eventually shut down for the remainder of the series against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.
With Nash turning 40-years-old this season, many are counting the former two-time MVP out from contributing at a high level. While his minutes will be reduced and he will most likely not play in back-to-back games, Nash’s ability to distribute the ball and shoot high percentages will help the Lakers make their playoff push.
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