Steve Nash is set to return to the L.A. Lakers lineup Tuesday night against Minnesota.
Out since November with nerve damage is his back, the L.A. Times reports the 40-year-old point guard is expected to start and play in five to eight minute rotations. Also returning to the injury-riddled Lakers lineup is guard Steve Blake.
"I'm open," Nash told The Times of how Coach Mike D'Antoni plans to use him.
"I don't know what the best plan is. I'm kind of just letting Gary [trainer Vitti] and Mike piece together what they think might be the best opportunity. We'll see how it goes."
The team has already announced Nash will not play on Wednesday against Cleveland because it is a back-to-back situation. With Nash starting, Kendall Marshall will become a reserve for L.A. after averaging 11 points and 10 assists as Nash's replacement.
"He's fine," D'Antoni told The Times of Marshall's mindset. "He's good."
Blake has been out since Dec. 10 because of a torn elbow ligament. He says there is still pain when he snaps his right arm while shooting but he will not need surgery after this season.
Blake was averaging 9.8 points and 7.7 assists when he was injured. Nash averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 assists in only six games this season.
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