Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash target late January returns

Feb 10, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (let) talks with Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash (right) during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Over the last two seasons, the Lakers have been anything but healthy, with injuries ravaging their roster. After suffering through a massively disappointing season last year, the Lakers have been anything but competitive for the majority of this season, sitting at 14-22, the farthest from .500 they’ve been this season. Fortunately for fans, the light at the end of the tunnel may be growing, with both Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash eyeing returns for the January 28th game against the Indiana Pacers.

Both have had extended absences, Bryant with a fractured leg and Nash with nerve issues in his back. The duo haven’t played together this season, and only played a couple handfuls of games together last season. What was once thought as a match made in heaven less than two years ago has become a nightmare scenario.

Bryant signed a two-year extension prior to his return from his Achilles injury. Nash, on the other hand, has battled the idea of retirement due to injury. He’s played just 56 games over the last two seasons for the purple and gold. The January 28th date is a bit early than anticipated for Bryant, whose return was expected in early-to-mid February. For Nash, his return has long been a mystery, similar to his injury in general, which has baffled Nash, the Lakers front office, and even doctors.

Both will reevaluated after the Lakers Grammy trip over the next two weeks prior to their return.