Feb 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) celebrates his three pointer in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Minnesota wins 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a cruel, cruel rotation for the Lakers, who seemingly can’t have a player get healthy without sacrificing another. With Steve Nash making a surprise appearance and Nick “Swaggy P” Young making his expected return, the Lakers thought they’d be as close to full health as possible this year. However, just as quickly as that duo returned, Wes Johnson exited with a upper respiratory infection.
Nick Young is expected to play on Friday vs. Washington, according to coach Mike D'Antoni.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 20, 2014
After five weeks on the sidelines, @Lakers guard @SteveNash is planning a return to the court. (LINK) http://t.co/gqyZ1dYvE1
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 21, 2014
The Lakers are starting Meeks, Marshall, Bazemore, Gasol and Sacre. Wes Johnson is out with an upper respiratory infection
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 22, 2014
For Nash, this will be seen as one final go-around if not just for this season, but possibly his career. With a five-week layoff, Nash should be as close to fully healthy as he can possibly get, meaning if he can’t hang on the court at this point, he’ll certainly have to question whether he should retire or not.
Swaggy P’s return has been long coming. After going down with an injury very similar to Kobe Bryant’s, Swaggy battled back and now will have the final 15 games to earn his paycheck next season, a similar goal for all the Lakers. However, it was Young who spoke of the team’s goal to win 30 games this year, proving this team is still bonded.