Jan. 30, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash (10) and forward Pau Gasol against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been one impressively bad season, riddled with injuries and underwhelming performances. No Laker has played every game this season, and most of those on the roster have missed significant time, with the likes of Kent Bazemore, Xavier Henry and Kobe Bryant already ruled out for the season. Two more are likely to be added to that list, with Pau Gasol still battling vertigo and Steve Nash battling a myriad of injuries. Both are likely done for the season, and possible finished playing for the Lakers entirely.
Gasol has battled with symptoms of vertigo since he left at halftime against the Orlando Magic on March 23rd. While he did play against the Trail Blazers, he was largely ineffective and has not seen the court since. Gasol is still doing therapy to recuperate from his injury, but it’s unlikely he’ll be stable and healthy enough to make a return this season.
For Nash, he risked his health in order to pass Mark Jackson for 3rd all-time in assists. After being ruled out for the season at one point, Nash made not one surprising return, but numerous returns, culminating in last night’s game that saw him pass Jackson’s mark of 10,334 assists with a outlet to Jodie Meeks. Shortly thereafter, Nash was subbed out to a standing ovation from the Staples Center in what could be his final moment as a Laker.