The
"I'm fine," said Nash later in the day. He last played Nov. 10 and has played in only six games this season, while battling through nerve damage in his back and hamstring injuries.
The Lakers now expect Nash to practice Thursday with a possible return Friday at
"I have no idea what's going to happen, but I've done all the work and I feel ready to practice again," said Nash, who has been rehabilitating away from the team in Vancouver, Canada. "I'm really excited, just to be part of the team again."
Nash, who turns 40 on Feb. 7, is the oldest player in the league.
He has spent most of his time with the Lakers on the mend, after breaking his leg only two games into his Lakers career in October 2012. He missed 30 games last season.
Nash isn't expecting to retire — his guaranteed contract runs through the 2014-15 season — and the Lakers are doing whatever they can to help him return to full strength.
However, if his attempt to rejoin the Lakers fails again there are some financial implications for the team.
Should a doctor determine that the only solution to Nash's chronic back issues is retirement, and an
Of course, none of that matters if Nash is healthy. He is averaging 6.7 points and 4.8 assists this season.
Walking wounded
The Lakers welcomed
"It's just a matter of going a little while without any setbacks," Farmar said. "I've been bored ... with this injury, you don't feel too injured. It's not painful. You don't feel hurt."
Meanwhile,
Forward
Etc.
Jodie Meeks missed practice Monday because of a sore foot. An MRI exam showed no fracture and he's listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the
Pau Gasol also sat out Monday, nursing a sore toe, but is expected to play against Indiana.
Twitter: @EricPincus