Steve Nash Out for Entire Season Due to Back Injury
The NBA 2014-15 season is underway and the Lakers are already faced with roster problems early into the pre-season. Steve Nash has been reported to be suffering a back injury and will miss the entire season. Meanwhile, free agents aren't attracted to the team since they fear playing with Kobe Bryant.
The team released a statement regarding Nash's back injury where the player said, "Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now."
"I work very hard to stay healthy and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficulty. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health," he adds.
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Nash is 40 years old and is the NBA's oldest active player. Since Oct.12, he has not been practicing with his team after tweaking his back while carrying bags after an exhibition game.
"As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we're even more disappointed for Steve," Mitch Kupchak said, the Lakers' general manager.
Meanwhile, Lakers president Jeanie Buss had a message for players who didn't want to play with Bryant, "Good riddance."
"Any free agent that would be afraid to play with Kobe Bryant is probably a loser, and I'm glad they wouldn't come to the team," Buss said Thursday earlier this week.
The issue apparently came from an ESPN The Magazine feature which was published earlier this week where several agents and NBA personnel said that the team hasn't been able to attract free agents due to the players not wanting to work with Bryant.
The team has already won five championships with Bryant but they haven't been able to make it to the finals since 2010. The 36-year old player has even signed a two-year extension with the team for $48.5 million and is the NBA's highest paid player.
