Here are Coach Mike D’Antoni’s comments from ESPN L.A.:
“The other Steve is coming along,” D’Antoni said of the two-time league MVP. “I don’t think we have a timetable. He feels some nerve endings that are tingling and when they go away, we’ll start ramping it up and he’ll be fine.
“Whether it’s tomorrow or next week or next month, we’ll just take our time and he’ll eventually be there. As soon as he gets there, I know, give him an hour and a half and he’ll have the offense down and running it like a clock. So we can wait on that.”
As long as he’s healthy come playoff time, that’s all that matters. Nash pretty much knows D’Antoni’s offense like the back of his hand. I don’t think the concern is the fit; the concern here is his health.
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Rushing back Nash just to get him back for December isn’t really a good idea. Just make sure that the two-time MVP feels 100 percent. And besides, they can save the 38-year-old man’s legs if he plays later in the season. Nash will be re-evaluated by the team doctors on Friday and they’ll go from there.
Also of note: Steve Blake won’t be playing in the three-game road trip as he is still sidelined with that nagging abdominal injury. D’Antoni mentioned that Blake will probably be day to day after the road trip.
With both Steves out for the next few games, this should be taken as a blessing in disguise. Darius Morris has done his job as a starter as he’s averaged 5.3 points and 3.8 assists in his last four games, which he all started. Duhon has also gotten increased minutes and is averaging 3.8 points and 2.5 assists in the last four contests. This gives Morris some experience and will buy the other veterans some time to rest. I think the Lakers will be fine.
Nash has averaged 4.5 points and 4.0 assists in the two contests he has played for the Lakers thus far.