Los Angeles Lakers Won’t Be Able to Cope With Steve Nash Injury

By Brendan Patel on October 15, 2014

Steve Nash is nearing the end of his career, and has struggled immensely the past couple of years with injuries. There was hope that he would be healthy to start the season, but once again, an injury is forcing him to the sideline. Although Nash is not the same player he was five years ago, he has shown that, when healthy, he can still contribute. However, a simple injury means that he will likely struggle to make it through the season, hurting the Los Angeles Lakers; a team that already has limited depth.

Jeremy Lin was acquired in an offseason trade, and should be expected to play heavy minutes despite starting the preseason coming off the bench. However, he was injured last week and now the Lakers are down to Ronnie Price and Jordan Clarkson. Price is a league veteran, but has never played heavy minutes, and Clarkson is just entering his rookie season. Neither can be counted on to provide much, meaning the Lakers will likely have to force other players to play out of position until Lin can return. Even when Lin returns, there is not enough quality depth behind him for the team to be confident.

The fact Nash is once again injured means the Lakers will again struggle from the point guard position. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most talented positions across the league, and the Lakers will see their fair share of high-caliber guards throughout the season. The team must look to address the position elsewhere or hope Price or Clarkson can step up. Otherwise, the team will be in for a long season.