As expected after the Lakers listed Steve Nash as ‘doubtful’ yesterday, at shootaround this morning Mike D’Antoni told ESPN’s Beto Duran that Nash will not play tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Per DAntoni Steve Nash will NOT play for @lakers tonight
— Beto Duran (@DuranSports) April 5, 2013
Nash, who’s still bothered by his hip and hamstring soreness, has now missed over a week after hoping to be back for last Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Steve Blake has been doing an effective job in place of Steve Nash. Although both Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant have morphed into facilitator roles, Steve Black has averaged 13 points in his last two games. Kobe Bryant had a cool triple-double in the Lakers’ last win over the Dallas Mavericks without Nash Tuesday night. Pau Gasol had 10 assists in Saturday night’s victory against the Sacramento Kings, another game without Steve Nash.
Pau Gasol also recently opened up about the compromise he’s had to make alongside Dwight Howard in Mike D’Antoni’s system. The Lakers have made a conscious effort to get Pau Gasol the ball closer to the basket.
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The Lakers take on the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. At 51-24, the Grizzlies have proven themselves a competitor in the Western Conference. Although the Lakers have a 46-19 all-time record against Memphis, they have not managed to beat the Grizzlies in either of their two match-ups this season. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM at Staples Center and the Lakers will be looking to get one step closer to securing an eighth seed in the playoffs.
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VIDEO: Mike D’Antoni This Week At Lakers Practice
