Steve Nash is sitting out this season as a result of his chronic back issues, which likely signals the end of the two-time MVP's career. The Los Angeles Lakers, who still have Nash under contract, and coach Byron Scott were hoping that Nash would serve as an extension of the coaching staff by teaching the younger players on the team what it takes to prepare mentally and physically to perform at a high level in the NBA.

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Nash has not been with the team recently, and Scott has been calling to try and get Nash to come back to the team, saying, "I would like to [hear from Nash], but I don't know. I gave him a call, but I haven't gotten a return call. So we'll see."

Nash finally returned Scott's calls on Monday, but the two still managed to miss each other, according to the Los Angeles Times. Scott seemed in a better frame of mind after listening to Nash's message, however. "He did say on his message that he's definitely going to come back [to visit], he wants to see everybody, but he just needed some time, which we all understood," said Scott.

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Nash created a mini-controversy recently when he posted photos of himself hitting a golf ball at a driving range. The pictures upset many Lakers fans, who were presumably frustrated that Nash has battled a litany of injuries since the team traded for him.

There are reports that the Lakers may try to trade Nash's contract to free up cap room. They have also applied for a disabled player exception from the league because of his absence.