The debate rages on about Steve Nash’s immediate future and whether he’ll be playing for the Lakers next season or simply released by the team using the stretch provision.
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Although it was recently reported that the Lakers intend to keep Nash next season and eat the $9.7 million left on his deal, Nash believes nothing is guaranteed moving forward according Paul Coro of AZCentral.com:
“Next year is not guaranteed,” Nash said, although his salary is. “You never know what will happen with my back and the situation with the team. I just want to play a little bit in case I don’t get to play again.”
It has become clear to Nash at this point that the end is near. Nash may be able to produce when on the floor, but simply can’t seem to deal with the toll it takes on his 40-year-old body.
With that being said, the two-time NBA MVP will likely have only a few more games left in his NBA career and appears to want to make the most of it.
Now that the Lakers organization is seemingly moving forward with Nash in the fold, the veteran point guard taking on a mentor-like role with the team seems to be a likely scenario. If unable to play consistently next season, Nash could become useful as a mentor to players like newcomer Kendall Marshall and any point guards that may be acquired by the team in the off-season.
So although the future remains uncertain for Nash, there still may be some light at the end of the tunnel with a possibility of a summer of rehabbing being exactly what is needed for a potential farewell tour next season.
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