The nerve issues in Steve Nash’s back have proven to be too much for the veteran point guard to overcome. Nash will miss the entire 2014-15 NBA season as a result of the persistent nerve issues forcing the Los Angeles Lakers to take action to deal with the unfortunate situation.
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According to Bill Oram of the OC Register, the Lakers will apply for a disabled player exception:
Lakers will apply for disabled player exception following Nash news. If granted, exception would be worth roughly $4.85 million.
— Bill Oram (@bill_oram) October 24, 2014
Since the announcement of Nash set to miss the entire season, a lot of people have been wondering what it means for the Lakers in terms of the remainder of the 40-year-old’s salary.
With the Lakers electing to use the disabled players exception, if granted by the NBA, the team could go with one the following options to bring in another player, according to Eric Pincus of the L.A. Times:
The Lakers can apply for a disabled-player exception, for up to half of Nash’s salary. If granted by the NBA, the Lakers would have until March 10 to add a player, either by signing a free agent ($4.85 million maximum), via trade ($4.95 million maximum incoming salary) or by waiver claim ($4.85 million maximum salary).
Any player the Lakers might acquire with a disabled-player exception must have a one-year deal (and not a multi-season contract).
The start of the upcoming season is only days away leaving few options for the Lakers in free agency. As Pincus points out, a trade is a possibility for Los Angeles, but it is uncertain what options might be available for Mitch Kupchak and company.
Perhaps the biggest name on the free agent market right now is Ray Allen. The two-time NBA champion hasn’t decided whether or not he’ll play another season, but it’s probably safe to say the Lakers aren’t an option he’ll explore.
A few other notable free agents that are still without a job with the season opener approaching are Andrew Bynum, Jermaine O’Neal, Emeka Okafor, Rashard Lewis, Richard Hamilton and Greg Oden.
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