Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash is "seriously" considering retiring because of pain from his injury. Kobe Bryant, meanwhile, was cleared on Saturday to be a full participant at practice and said his return to the court is "coming up pretty quickly."
Nash has been struggling with nerve issues stemming from breaking his leg last season. Nerve regeneration usually doesn't have a timetable, and the pain he's experiencing is reportedly enough to contemplate retirement.
I'm hearing Nash's pain is forcing him 2 seriously consider calling it a career. He'd still get $ this yr & next & LA'd get cap relief next
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) November 19, 2013
Nash accounts for $9.7 million of the $10.6 million the Lakers have on the books for next season. If Nash were to retire due to medical reasons, the Lakers would still have to pay him the remainder of his contract but it wouldn't count against the cap, giving Los Angeles even more flexibility to make a big splash this summer in free agency.
While Nash reportedly considers retirement, Bryant is nearing his return to the court. The team medical staff gave Bryant full medical clearance on Saturday, according to Bleacher Report. Although Bryant can now practice without any restrictions, the team is leaving it up to Bryant's discretion as to when he'll make his season debut.
PICTURE: Kobe Bryant practices on Tuesday.
According to Bryant, his season debut is "coming quickly." Bryant spoke with the cast of ABC's "The View" in an interview set to air on Thursday. Asked when he'll play again, Bryant answered: "I'll be ready to play soon. I'm not sure exactly when, but the date is coming up pretty quickly."
View the video excerpt HERE (via LakersNation).
