Nash turned 40 on Friday and celebrated with a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 19 points, five assists and four rebounds in 28 minutes as a starter.
Afterward, he spoke on NBA TV about the journey back and what it means to him:
A lot of people say, 'Oh, why don’t you just retire.' For me, just to feel it again, just to feel in control again out there, to be part of a team, to make a play for your teammates and to do it on the road, those are all the things I wanted to feel again before it’s all over. I have no idea when that day is going to be. Nothing is guaranteed, considering the state of health I've had. But to be on top of it right now and to be playing and contributing, it feels great.
Asked about his role in the future of the team, Nash acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries, as well as the rebuilding phase that the team is going through, adding that "people start pointing fingers and jumping ship." Still, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player expressed pride for a group of players, many on one-year deals, who are continuing to listen to the coaches and make adjustments.
Nash’s own adjustments have been extraordinary. The point guard arrived via a sign-and-trade from the Phoenix Suns during the summer of 2012. He was expected to play a significant role for a team that also acquired center Dwight Howard. Unfortunately, Nash fractured his left leg during the second game of the regular season—a harbinger of things to come.
The Lakers continued to suffer key injuries throughout last season, culminating with Kobe Bryant’s ruptured Achilles tendon on April 12, 2013 against the Golden State ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
