The Los Angeles Lakers' injury-riddled season hit a new low Tuesday night when they tied a franchise-worst home skid, dropping their sixth straight game at the Staples Center against the Utah Jazz.
During the game their replenished stock of point guards dwindled once more, starting with future Hall of Famer Steve Nash. He left Sunday's contest with the Chicago Bulls after banging his leg into Kirk Hinrich's, causing his persistent nerve irritation to pop up. He experienced more problems last night, leaving early once again.
"His hamstring was a little bit fired up," said Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni. "I imagine it's day to day. He didn't want to just sit out, but he couldn't go." The game was Nash's 10th of the season, meaning he is not eligible for medical retirement this year and his $9.7 million are on the Lakers' books. It begs the question of why Nash continues to take the court at age 40, when it is increasingly clear he's no longer able to withstand the rigors of NBA competition.
"Some days it sucks but other days you feel great and you have a good session, a good game and you feel like it's all worth it," Nash said.
Another point guard, Steve Blake, hyper-extended his arm but seemed more concerned with Nash's health. "I'm pretty concerned," Blake said. "I know he's dealing with a lot of pain. I see how hard he has to work just to get in the few minutes that he has been playing. So to see him have to go out again, you never know how serious it is or what not. So I'm concerned for him."
Overall, the Lakers have been without combinations of Nash, Blake, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Xavier Henry and Nick Young for lengthy stretches of time. The injuries have been so great that they had two players foul out recently, with the second remaining in the game since only five healthy players could be on the court.
"It's frustrating," center Chris Kaman said. "A lot of our guys are just trying to figure out where they're supposed to be and what they're supposed to be doing, because we've had so many guys hurt and then come back."
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