Steve Nash has been adamant about finishing out his contract and not going into retirement but he might not have a choice. The 39-year old point guard has suffered another setback, this time he’ll be out at least two weeks with a back injury. With the injuries piling up and Nash seeing way less time on the court, it might be time to call it a wrap.
via the LA Times
Should the Lakers’ back specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins, determine that any additional effort by Nash to play would constitute a medically unacceptable risk, the veteran point guard may end his career via forced medical retirement.
Nash is owed $9.3 million for the current year and $9.7 million for next season. If he’s found to be physically unable to play, he would still receive full compensation.
Though Nash would be fully compensated, the final year of his contract would come off the Lakers salary cap as long as he plays in fewer than 10 games this season, he’s currently at six. As of right now Nash and Robert Sacre are the only players the Lakers have on the books for next season, as well as Nick Young who has a player option. The Lakers could have around $54 million to re-sign players like Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol as well as go after big name free agents such as Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Zach Randolph and more.
