LOS ANGELES (Sporting Alert) — The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that veteran point guard Steve Nash will miss the 2014-15 season after struggling to shake off a persistent back problem.
Nash picked up the back injury early this month after he reportedly tweaked a muscle in his back while carrying bags.
And after meeting with Lakers medical staff and the organization, the 40-year-old decided that the best thing for him right now is to sit-out the entire season and work on recovering.
“Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now,” said Nash on Lakers.com.
“I work very hard to stay healthy and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health.”
Meanwhile, Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak also echoed how disappointing it was to lose such an experienced member of the group.
“As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we’re even more disappointed for Steve,” Kupchak said.
“We know how hard he’s worked the last two years to try to get his body right for the rigors of the NBA, and how badly he wants to play, but unfortunately he simply hasn’t been able to get there up to this point in time.
“Steve has been a consummate professional, and we greatly appreciate his efforts.”
Last week Kobe Bryant had expressed concerns about Nash’s ongoing problems.
“I’m very concerned,” he was quoted as saying. “It just seems like he can’t get going on a consistent basis.
“I understand how frustrating that is.”
It is being reported that Nash, the oldest player in the NBA, is consider retiring from the game this season.
