The eight-time All Star has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons. He played in just 50 of the Lakers' 82 games last season, averaging 12.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. Friday marked Nash's 11th game of the 2013-14 season, a campaign in which he is averaging a paltry 7.4 points and 5.3 assists per night.
Nash was ruled out for the remainder of the season at one point last week but claimed that he would not retire. Nash's retirement has been on the minds of many analysts ever since he was first injured last season.
At 40 years old, the 18-year veteran is the oldest player in the NBA. His body is not the same as it was when he was at the top of the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, but even still, Nash wants to play in 2014-15.
In fact, if he finishes out this season healthy and on a relatively high note, he should continue to play one more season. Nash says he will because of the money, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com:
I think anyone who has some sort of critical thinking ability looks at the situation and goes, 'Who wouldn't?' It is a contract and we fight [as a player's union] every 5-6-7-8 years to hold on to guaranteed contracts in our business. I came in here with the highest of hopes, broke my leg playing here and I think people respect the fact that that's honest and anyone who says they wouldn't do that probably is not trustworthy.
The point guard is scheduled to make $9.7 million next season.
Money is certainly a motivating factor, but playing again in 2014-15 would set Nash up for something he has never done before—win an NBA championship.
Think about it. The Lakers are actually in a good position to contend next season, even with their...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
