Lakers Rumors & News Recap: Nash Out, But Still Important

Fans will have to wait for the return of Nash, as the PG is out for at least another two weeks. Steve spoke about how his speed isn’t back to what it used to be, even though he can move and shoot. The Laker’s newbie believes he’s out of shape and has chosen to take a couple more weeks to get back to his prior physique.

What was thought to be a Nash return this past weekend isn’t anymore as he deals with nerve irritation near the location where he fractured his fibula back on October 31st. With the Lakers 9-12 record and the inconsistent Nash injury reports, it is time L.A. worked better with what they have right now. Who knows when Nash will be back, and by that time the season record damage may be far too worse for recovery. Veteran injuries were expected with this older team, but it has been surprising how many there have been.

Steve Nash is important. Very important. For one, Nash is the root reason why D’Antoni was hired over Phil Jackson, and he is used to Mike’s system. The PG always has an important role in facilitating, for the most part, the direction of the game. What seemed to be a Suns System – Los Angeles Team match made in heaven hasn’t properly run with Nash out. D’Antoni’s up-tempo offensive system is solely dependent on the point guard. The head coach happened to have Nash during his time in Phoenix, which is why his system was such a success there, and expected to be one here.

Nash’s injuries aren’t the only ones hurting the team. Pau Gasol remains out for tonight’s game. Steve Blake is still injured and months away from recovering. Both of those veterans not being able to play is hurting the Lakers on court power and morale.

Right now, the Lakers need motivation. And it starts with D’Antoni. As LN’s Jabari Davis says, “D’Antoni has yet to display an ability to motivate this roster to give a maximum effort each night, let alone display signs of consistent improvement.” It is the time to decide whether to blow this Lakers season or fight for the year everyone expected. There are four solid months of regular season basketball left so the Lakers have time to correct their mistakes. The trick is, to not let everyone else slip farther ahead before they do.

Kobe wants it, but even scoring over 30 points a game isn’t enough. The Lakers record when Kobe scores 30+ points is 1-10. One in 10, which only tells me one thing; the team is solely confident in Kobe, and not themselves. The Lakers are not a one man team, and relying on Bryant to carry the weight of everyone else isn’t going to cut it. God forbid he gets injured too.

Beginning at noon on Dec. 8th, Kobe Bryant fans will be able to try the his new shoe and compete in a timed basketball experience. The test focuses on challenges of speed, accuracy, focus, and vision.

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