Steve Nash will miss the entire 2014-2015 NBA season due to recurring nerve issue in his back, according to Kevin Ding of BleacherReport.
Nash has an expiring $9.7 million deal and if he officially retires due to medical issue, his money would come off the Los Angeles Lakers’ books in April, which does not benefit the team. The only way the Lakers can wipe off Nash’s salary off their pay roll is if they trade him or buy him out.
If Nash is traded then he retires, the team who gets him will still have his contract on their books until April as well.
In two seasons with the Lakers, Nash, 40, played a total of 65 games, averaging 11.4 points, 6.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game. He broke a bone in his leg in his second game with the Lakers in 2012. Since that point on, he has been struggling to remain healthy.
This injury will solemnly end Nash’s memorable career. He has yet to officially retire, but this continuous back issue will more than likely see him out of the league. Steve Nash has career averages of 14.3 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. He has played for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and the Los Angeles Lakers in his 18-year career.
He has been one of the most respected and gifted point guards to ever play the game.