Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash suffered another setback on Monday when he tweaked his back getting out of bed. Nash is now expected to practice on Thursday and could possibly play on Friday against the Charlotte Bobcats, the L.A. Times reports.
Nash hasn't played since Nov. 10 because of nerve issues, stemming from breaking his leg last season, and hamstring injuries. He was set to practice on Monday but was forced to sit out after hurting his back getting out of bed in the morning.
Later in the day, he insisted he was fine and eager to play again.
"I have no idea what's going to happen, but I've done all the work and I feel ready to practice again," Nash said, via The Times. "I'm really excited, just to be part of the team again."
Nash, 40, is the oldest player in the NBA. He's been away from the team while rehabilitating in Vancouver, Canada, and has played in only six games this season.
Although he's dismissed the idea of retiring before his contract expires in 2015, his history of back problems could help the Lakers' salary cap.
Per Eric Pincus of The Times:
"Should a doctor determine that the only solution to Nash's chronic back issues is retirement, and an NBA-appointed physician agrees, the two-time NBA most value player's entire $9.7-million salary for the 2014-15 season will come off the Lakers' books in late April - provided that Nash plays fewer than 10 games this season for the Lakers."
Los Angeles's backcourt has been riddled with injuries. In addition to Nash, Kobe Bryant, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar have all been sidelined because of various injuries.
The Lakers (16-29) host the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.
