One day after Kobe Bryant was shut down for the season due to injury, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash has also been ruled out for the year by head coach Mike D’Antoni according to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times:
Mike D'Antoni officially closes the door on Steve Nash returning this season for the Lakers. "He's not going to play."
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) March 13, 2014
It has been a long and hard road for Nash during the recovery process over the last two seasons with the 40-year-old seemingly on the verge of retirement. Although Nash has dealt with back problems in the past, the veteran point guard has been able to play through pain and play at a high level.
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Unfortunately, Father Time has caught up with the future Hall of Famer as his body simply can’t handle the rigors of an 82-game season anymore.
Nash was hopeful to make a return at some point during the second half of the season, but continued to deal with nerve issues in his back. As a result of the persistent injury problems, the future remains uncertain for Nash as he may have played his last game with the Lakers and as a result his last game in the NBA.
The former Phoenix Suns star let it be known that if the Lakers decide to release him over the summer with the stretch provision that he’ll simply retire. Nash has no desire to play elsewhere, but wants to play for the Lakers next season if they’ll have him.
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