Nash sidelined for rest of the season due to back injury

MANILA, Philippines – The Los Angeles Lakers will try to bounce back from a disappointing 2013-2014 season without the services of two-time NBA regular season Most Valuable Player Steve Nash.

The team announced the Canadian playmaker’s ineligibility for the rest of the 2014-2015 season due to a recurring back injury on its official website Thursday, October 23 (Friday morning in PH).

“Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now,” said Nash in the statement.

“I work very hard to stay healthy and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health.”

Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said he’s disappointed not only for the fans and the organization but mostly for Nash.

“We know how hard he’s worked the last two years to try to get his body right for the rigors of the NBA, and how badly he wants to play, but unfortunately he simply hasn’t been able to get there up to this point in time. Steve has been a consummate professional, and we greatly appreciate his efforts,” said Kupchak.

The 40-year-old court general has career averages of 14.3 points, 8.5 assists, and 3 rebounds. He won back-to-back MVP awards in the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons when he lead the Phoenix Suns’ run-and-gun basketball.

Nash joined the Lakers alongside All-Star Center Dwight Howard prior to the start of the 2012-2013 season and many believed the purple and gold team were on the way to the Finals that year. However, injuries and the team’s faulty chemistry derailed their title hopes.

Nash has played for only two other teams in his 18-year career – the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks.

Former teamates and others in the NBA wished Nash well.

If this is the end for @SteveNash, SPECTACULAR job of making the game better.. #1stBallotHOF

— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) October 24, 2014

I know it’s not the way @SteveNash wanted to go out but what a hellava career! Honor to have played with him! Best teammate I have ever had!

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) October 24, 2014

@SteveNash nothing more I can say other than Thank you for everything you’ve done as a teammate and as a friend. #cheers #ucanhaveaburgernow

— Channing Frye (@Channing_Frye) October 24, 2014

Damn damn damn. Hate to see Steve Nash go out like this. 1 of the best PGs to ever play the game!

— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) October 24, 2014

– Rappler.com