On Monday, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol practiced with the Lakers.
Gasol was expected to practice, and the Spaniard remains questionable for Tuesday’s home game against the Charlotte Bobcats. He is probable for Saturday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. Gasol’s news was welcomed and expected, but the real headline on Monday was Steve Nash.
Nash said “Hopefully I can play by Christmas,” and revealed he was getting excited about finally seeing progress after spending nearly seven weeks on the sidelines.
However, he did also work hard to calm expectations by saying that he was sore and would have to monitor his soreness given the increased activity.
On Monday, Nash ran up and down the floor performing drills with his teammates. However, he has not yet had a contact practice or scrimmage. The 38 year-old Canadian revealed that he plans to take part in those types of activities later this week if his leg allows him to do so.
After Tuesday’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats, the Lakers do not play until Saturday, an away game at the red-hot Golden State Warriors. The much-needed break in the schedule should give Nash an opportunity to ease into some contact drills and scrimmaging before the weekend, if all goes according to plan.
The Lakers have not rushed Nash back from injury to this point. However, if Nash can get through full contact practices by the end of this week, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks Christmas Day showcase game would be a reasonable target.
Given this is Los Angeles, a healthy Steve Nash starting for the Lakers against the Knicks would be the perfect Hollywood story.
