The Los Angeles Lakers will get their preseason underway on Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors with two of the team’s best players likely watching from the sidelines, according to our Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters via Twitter:
Mike D’Antoni says Steve Nash and Pau Gasol probably won’t play back to backs. Says most likely expect them to play Sunday vs. Denver
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) October 4, 2013
Nash and Gasol are both trying to get their bodies right after an injury plagued season last year. Both players missed more games in one season than in any season throughout their careers last year and have needed the entire off-season to repair the damage.
With Nash and Gasol likely watching from the sidelines tomorrow night, head coach Mike D’Antoni will likely go with Steve Blake and Chris Kaman to shoulder the load as the starters at point guard and center. Wesley Johnson, Nick Young and Jordan Hill will be the three other starters against Golden State.
Last year, Nash suffered a broken fibula in the second game of the season due to a collision with rookie Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. The two-time NBA MVP struggled to get back to form after the injury and was never really 100 percent for the rest of the year.
As for Gasol, the international superstar struggled to stay healthy due to persistent knee problems and plantar fasciitis. Gasol recently had a procedure on his knees called FAST. The procedure was successful, and Gasol is believed to be nearing 100 percent as the season draws near.
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Be Sure To Check Out Our Interview With Chris Kaman
