The Los Angeles Lakers have reminded the injured Steve Nash that the door is open for him to fulfill another role with the team since his season is over, but it remains to be seen if the two-time NBA MVP will accept the offer.
It was reported that Nash surprised the team at the airport on Christmas Eve as they prepared to travel to Chicago for an eventual Christmas Day 113-93 loss to the Bulls.
Nash has been injured since Oct. 23 with a back injury, but the Lakers are hopeful he'll accept another role with the team.
"I think so," Lakers coach Byron Scott told ESPN when asked if he believed Nash will soon rejoin the team in another capacity. "I think so."
Nash has played in just 65 games over the last two-plus seasons in Los Angeles due to various injuries, but Scott is hopeful that the point guard will attend practices and be a part of the team if it's something that he wants to do.
Nash, 40, is in the final year of a $9.7 million contract and though there is speculation he may call it a career, the eight-time NBA All-Star hasn't announced his retirement thus far.
While the Lakers have struggled this season, Scott at least got some joy when he saw Nash last week.
"It was great to see him, first of all, and for all the players to see him," Scott said. "It was a great gesture on his part to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. He still has to deal with the fact that his career might be over. That's still something he's wrestling with. I'm still inviting him to come around here for practice and to join in and just be a part of the team and part the coaching staff. That's something that he has to deal with and when he wants to and he feels he's able to do that, whatever time that might be, he'll be welcome with open arms."
Nash averaged 6.8 points, 5.7 assists and 1.9 total rebounds through 15 games before he ended up getting lost for the season.
The Lakers are 10-22 and in last place in the Pacific Division, but they're hopeful Nash can impart some of his experience by taking a new role with the team despite his injury.
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