Despite a rough stretch in his career over the course of the last two seasons, Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters reports that Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash has no intentions of hanging it up anytime soon.
While speaking to the media after practice, Nash expressed his desire to keep playing:
“Right now I have no intentions to stop playing.” – Steve Nash
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 10, 2014
As Nash has struggled to stay healthy after suffering a fracture in his left leg in October of 2012, followed by back, nerve and hamstring issues, many proclaimed the 18-year veteran a walking injury, who would never return to full health.
After completing a rigorous rehab regimen, Nash returned to the court on Feb. 4, but appeared to be headed back to the injury list following Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.
Nash was hit in the same spot where he fractured his leg in 2012, causing nerve irritation and forcing him to leave the game early. Nash was restricted in practice on Monday however, but is expected to play in Tuesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
Should Nash play on Tuesday, it will mark the 10th game this season he has made an appearance in, thus preventing the Lakers from potentially benefiting from his medical retirement.
While Nash may make it through the remainder of the season without any additional injuries, he would appear to be a likely candidate for the stretch provision, which would make him a free agent and nullify his salary as it pertains to the Lakers’ cap space.
For now, Nash will continue to push forward and give the Lakers what his aging body will allow.
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