Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash said on Saturday afternoon that he is ready and willing to play in Game 1 of the NBA post-season. The Lakers will take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, but Nash admits that head coach Mike D’Antoni may decide to pull him if his play isn’t up to par.
Speaking of his chance of stepping out onto the court, Nash said:
“He’s got to coach this team to win the game and if I’m not helping, and I’m not capable, he’s got to get me out. Bottom line: There’s no time to be sentimental or to give me too long of a leash. If I can’t get it done, I shouldn’t be out there.”
Nash injured his right hip towards the end of the 2012-2013 NBA season and sat out the final eight games. In anticipation of potentially playing on Sunday, the 17-year NBA vet had two epidurals administered this week to lessen his pain.
Nash attempted his last appearance on March 30 but was pulled after just two minutes.
When asked if he actually had a chance at playing on Sunday, Nash revealed:
“We’ll see. Anything is possible. It might go like a breeze and it might be difficult from the start. You never know, but I’ve been working hard to try to put myself in a position to give it a shot, and I think I’m ready to try.”
Do you think the Los Angeles Lakers can pull together a series victory as Kobe Bryant sits out and Steve Nash nurses a nagging injury heading into NBA post-season play?