It’s been settled. Lakers fans and Lakers critics will get their first glimpse at what Mike D’Antoni’s new offense will produce with Steve Nash running the floor. The Lakers will have Steve Nash back as their starting point guard against the New York Knicks on Christmas Day, according to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell.
And so, the good news for the Lakers – as of right now – is Nash said he’ll “for sure” be starting at PG on Christmas Day.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 21, 2012
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Nash won’t make his return debut on Saturday vs. Golden State. His status will depend on how his body reacts to the the past couple days of practice, but according to L.A. Times’ Mike Bresnahan, it is less likely.
Nash says it’s less than 50-50 he’ll play Saturday vs. Golden State. I’m officially tired of Nash injury updates. #Lakers
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 21, 2012
One thing is for certain, Mike D’Antoni can feel a little less anxious for the motor of his offense to return. It’s been no secret that D’Antoni has been relying on Steve Nash to put his offense together, as the Lakers are still two games under the .500 mark at 12-14. Sidelined since October 31st, Nash has actually yet to play a single game under Mike D’Antoni’s offense with the Lakers.
Nash made mention of his need to get back in basketball shape physically and mentally at practice yesterday, but his teammates have certainly voiced their confidence in Nash’s abilities. Yesterday, Dwight Howard even commented that it looked like Nash hadn’t missed a beat. At practice today, Mike Trudell tweeted that Kobe had similar things to say about Nash’s progress.
Kobe on Nash: “He looked good, he looked normal. He looked like he had a better understanding of what he could do (physically).”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 21, 2012
This will be Nash’s first Christmas Day game alongside teammate Kobe Bryant, who will be playing his 15th game on December 25th. The first Christmas Day game of Kobe’s career was a game against Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns in 1996. Nash has technically played against Kobe Bryant twice before (2007 and 1996), and lost both games on Christmas Day. In 2007, Kobe scored 38 points against Nash’s Phoenix squad. Now, with Nash alongside him, there’s no telling what the duo can accomplish.
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VIDEO: Check out Kobe Bryant’s dunk over Steve Nash!
httpvhd://youtu.be/d6yXqsIdBmM