Lakers: ‘Doesn’t look good’ for Steve Nash to play vs. Clippers

Everybody ready for Steve Blake tonight against the Clippers?

Lakers Coach Mike Brown says it “doesn’t look good” for Steve Nash making a return from a bruised left shin.

Nash did not take part in the team’s Friday morning shoot-around and was seen talking with longtime Lakers trainer Gary Vitti afterward on the sideline.

Nash was injured when he was kneed in the leg Wednesday against Portland. He did not talk to reporters Friday morning.

“He’s made progress but he got banged pretty good,” Brown said.

Nash, 38, had seven points and four assists in his Lakers debut Tuesday against Dallas. He had two points and four assists before leaving Wednesday’s game early in the third quarter.

Blake is averaging 3.5 points and 4.5 assists for the Lakers this season.

Dwight Howard, trying to keep the mood light after shoot-around, said he might even bring the ball up court.

“I’ve been working on my guard skills the last two days so I might be Steve Nash-Howard,” he said. “I’ll be the point. ‘Tragic Johnson,’ that’s what they’ll call me.”

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