With Steve Nash not getting younger at 39 and dealing with multiple health issues, the two-time NBA MVP will not be playing back-to-back games for the Los Angeles Lakers until he’s at 100 percent.
Heading into tonight’s game on the road against the Houston Rockets, Nash is expected to start alongside Steve Blake in the backcourt, but isn’t expected to play against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday according to Mark Medina of L.A. Daily News via Twitter:
Steve Nash said he doesn’t expect to play Friday in New Orleans. Part of the whole saving him for 2nd night of back to backs
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 7, 2013
Blake will likely assume the role as the starting point guard against New Orleans on Friday with Nash sitting on the second game of a back-to-back. In the loss to the Golden State Warriors, Blake and Jodie Meeks were the starters in the backcourt, which will probably be the case against the Pelicans.
With Nash continuing to deal with injury issues, the trade rumors surrounding the future Hall of Famer will likely continue to circulate. Nash was recently mentioned in a trade rumor with the Toronto Raptors supposedly interested in acquiring the veteran point guard.
In four games this season, Nash has averaged 6.5 points and 5.0 assists while shooting 28.1 percent from the floor. Obviously, not ideal numbers for a player the Lakers are paying over $9.3 million this season and $9.7 million the next.
UPDATE: Tonight’s starters have been announced.
Lakers starters: Blake, Meeks, Young, Gasol, Kaman
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 8, 2013
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Steve Nash Still Dealing With Injury Issues From Broken Leg Last Year