It is like deja-vu for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is once again starting the season wondering if Steve Nash is healthy enough to contribute. The point guard has barely been on the court over the past two seasons due to a variety of health issues, but was thought to be at full strength to begin 2014. However, a recent back injury is once again putting everything in doubt.
Byron Scott confirmed that Nash injured his back while lifting luggage at his house. This comes after the veteran removed himself from a preseason game saying that something just did not feel right. After playing just 15 games last year, the Lakers knew that Nash's productivity would be a mixed bag this upcoming season, but remained hopeful that he could return-to-form in this contract year. Nash is downplaying the idea that this recent injury will hurt his long-term outlook.
"I expected things to happen. It's inevitable with everything I've gone through that there's going to be issues adapting back to the game," Nash said, via ESPN.com. "On the other hand, I did get through seven or eight hard days well, which I didn't do last year. So there is some improvement, and if I can adapt continually once I heal up here, I'll be back on course. Eventually you've got to play; that's what we're here for. I've definitely had a struggle the last week, but I think I [need to] stay optimistic and see what I can do this week to get better and get back on the court."
Kobe Bryant admits that Nash's health is a bit frustrating. The veteran is hoping to put together a surprising season with the Lakers after also missing a majority of the past two years. He understands that a healthy Nash can be the difference maker going forward if he can be healthy. Bryant told LA Lakers beat writer Serena Winters, "I'm very concerned. It just seems like he can't get going on a consistent basis. I understand how frustrating that is."
One person that could really benefit from the inconsistencies of Nash is Jeremy Lin. Acquired in a trade from the Houston Rockets, Lin has been inserted into the starting lineup, looking like he could spend all season with the Lakers. There were trade rumors circulating that Lin could be on the move if Nash looks healthy, but he is not so Lin is staying put. Although he admits he is very humbled by the trade talk and aims to improve from it.
