Lakers point guard Steve Nash left Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with back problems and met with Dr. Robert Watkins this afternoon. The Lakers have not yet released an update on his status. (*Update: The Lakers have since released a statement with Nash’s diagnosis, which is expected to put him out for two weeks.)
Nash told the media at practice today that he’s felt like his nerve issues have been “slowly getting worse and worse.” When asked if he felt like him being on the floor could actually be hurting the team, he didn’t deny it.
“Ya, I mean thats one of the reasons I’ve come out a few times this year, because I’m not able to get it done or produce so it’s not worth being out there.”
Depending on the results of today’s appointment, Nash may decide this could be the end of his career, or could decide to push through. The veteran said he spent four or five months rehabbing this summer and when asked if he just needed more rest, didn’t think that was a big issue. Nash has actually said he needs to be even more “proactive” with his rehab. Despite, fighting through pain each day, Nash still isn’t ready to throw in the towel.
“It’s hard every day to keep fighting uphill, but I also weigh it against the fact that I still really love playing”
Nash also said the pain has been pretty constant. Whether he’s sitting or standing or moving, he’s still feeling pain.
The 39-year-old point guard is set to make $9.7 million next season, one of the few players that is still under contract through 2014. Nash’s future is relying on the results from today’s evaluation.
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