It looks like Los Angeles Lakers fans are going to have to wait just a little longer to see Steve Nash dishing and swishing on the court again.
According to a new report, Nash, who was previously hinted at joining the Lakers for their four-game road trip this week, is still not ready to play.
"I think it will be at least another two weeks," Nash told USA TODAY late Monday night. "I can move. I can shoot. I just can't run full speed. And I'm not even in shape. I'll probably need at least a week of practice once I start running."
Nash fractured his left fibula when colliding with Portland rookie Damian Lillard on Halloween night, and has been sidelined since that time.
Sources told Yahoo! Sports that while the fibula has healed in Nash's left leg, a nerve irritation that surfaced in the leg during rehab is what has been causing the eight-time NBA All-Star discomfort, causing pain any time he put pressure on it.
Since then, the Lakers have been in turmoil, firing Mike Brown as head coach and replacing him with Mike D'Antoni, under whom the Lakers are currently sporting a 9-12 win-loss record and have lost two straight games.
With the team struggling to stay afloat, the Lakers could only stand to benefit from the return of the two-time former league MVP Nash, who played under D'Antoni in Phoenix.
"I hope I can make a difference," Nash told USA Today Sports. "I think the team is close to doing well on their own. It's hard. It's like a second training camp. The guys haven't had a lot of time to practice under (coach Mike D'Antoni).
"We really haven't had a chance to play together in a new system, and we're trying to fight through that," Nash said, but added that with a little work, "the sky's the limit" for the Lakers.
Gasol to miss fifth straight game due to knee issues
Starting forward Pau Gasol won't likely make the road trip for the Lakers as he heals from tendinitis in his knees.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Gasol was not at the team shootaround in the morning and was expected to miss the Lakers' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Coach Mike D'Antoni told the press that he didn't believe Gasol would be ready to play against the Cavaliers, though he would not speculate if Gasol would play on the trip and said his progress will be evaluated daily.
Rookie of the Year Irving to face Lakers in return
At least one big time player will be returning to the court Tuesday night...although it won't help the Lakers at all.
Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving is expected to make his return tonight after sitting out 11 games with a broken left finger.
Irving, who won the Rookie of the Year award last season, has been sorely missed by the Cavs (4-17) who have gone 2-9 since Irving went down on Nov.17 in a game against Dallas.
"It's been very difficult," Irving said after Monday's practice. "But I've gotten a chance to really break down the game and it's given me a chance to get a different outlook being on the sideline. I'm really happy to be out there and be competing again."
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