Steve Nash's time with the Los Angeles Lakers appears to be up.
First reported by Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report, the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed that Steve Nash has been ruled out for the 2014-15 season due to "a recurring back injury."
"Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now," Nash said in the Lakers' official press release on the matter. "I work hard 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."
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak also chimed in with his thoughts on the news.
"As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we're even more disappointed for Steve," Kupchak said. "We know ho hard he's worked the last two years 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."
Kupchak added, "Steve has been a consummate professional, and we greatly appreciate his efforts."
Nash has always been the most gracious of players when asked difficult questions about age, injuries and money. His professionalism never came into question even in the darkest of time.
Unless Nash was to retire, he will continue to take up a roster spot, and the Lakers are likely to seek another point guard. Ronnie Price was already expected to serve as one of the point guards alongside Jeremy Lin, but Nash's absence places more pressure on rookie Jordan Clarkson. Relying on a rookie as the third point guard is a shaky proposition.
Financially speaking, the Lakers may be able to apply for a Disabled Player Exception, which would allow the Lakers to recoup up to $5.3 million according to salary cap guru Eric Pincus of the LA Times.
Regardless of whatever minimal salary cap relief the Lakers receive, the news that the two-time NBA MVP, eight time NBA All-Star and one of the top point guards of all time has likely played his final NBA game comes as sad news.
