Steve Nash has been working his tail off this summer to get healthy and get back on the court on a consistent basis for the Lakers. In fact it feels like an ongoing struggle with his back health over the last 3-4 seasons.
For both Nash and Lakers fans it was terribly frustrating to hear a couple weeks ago that he had to miss more time after tweaking his back doing a normal everyday task of carrying bags.
The disappointment has hit an all-time low this evening when it comes to Nash’s struggles. The Lakers have confirmed that due to significant nerve damage in his back, Steve Nash will be out for the entire season. Nash had this to say tonight:
“Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now,” said Nash. “I work very hard to stay healthy and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health.”
The Lakers official statement had the following quote from GM Mitch Kupchak:
“As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we’re even more disappointed for Steve,” said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. “We know how hard he’s worked the last two years to try to get his body right for the rigors of the NBA, and how badly he wants to play, but unfortunately he simply hasn’t been able to get there up to this point in time. Steve has been a consummate professional, and we greatly appreciate his efforts.”
Lakers fans may not share Kupchak’s sentiments. Many fans in LA are calling the trade for Nash one of the worst trades for the team in franchise history. Not that it is directly attributed to Nash or his injuries, however the Lakers haven’t won a playoff game since trading for Nash, and they gave up first-round picks in 2013 and 2015 to the Phoenix Suns so they could pay Nash $27.9 million over three years. Having played in only 65 games over that period since 2012, no wonder the Lakers fans aren’t seeing the value they expected.
The writing is on the wall that this may be the end of a career for Nash. A highlight ridden, Hall of Fame worthy career. But not the exit we would hope for one of the all-time greatest point guards in league history.
