When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Steve Nash, there were high hopes surrounding the team. Unfortunately for Nash and the team, the former two-time MVP has seen his Laker career marred by injuries while only appearing in 60 games in his two years in Los Angeles.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Mamba Strikes Back” T-Shirts? —
With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Nash has come to terms that his basketball career is coming to an end, according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Steve Nash says he accepts that this is his last year and there are no guarantees.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) September 30, 2014
Nash also expressed his health’s importance and how he needs to be available to play on a constant basis:
Steve Nash says the biggest factor for him this year is going to be sustainability
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) September 30, 2014
There are plenty of questions surrounding Nash and how much he can deliver for the Lakers. Possibly looking to gain some insurance in case Nash struggles to remain healthy again this season, the front office decided to buy the draft rights to Jordan Clarkson and bring in Jeremy Lin from the Houston Rockets.
As the season’s start draws closer, there have been reports claiming Nash has been looking good during team workouts. Nash’s status will be made clearer once training camp opens up and the team begins playing preseason games.
Whether or not Nash remains a starter will be up to new coach Byron Scott. In addition to figuring out Nash’s role, Scott will also have to manage his minutes in order to keep up healthy over the long course of the season. Regardless, Nash appears ready for his final year and is looking forward to show everyone what he still has left in the tank.
Lakers Media Day 2014: Kobe Bryant