Steve Nash said he felt 100 percent all summer, and he moved well in the Lakers’ preseason opener. He even talked about playing beyond this season.
Now, reality is setting in.
Mike Trudell of Lakers.com:
Neither Lin (ankle) or Nash (hamstring/nerves/back) practiced today. Clarkson (calf), Henry (back) and Kelly (hamstring) were limited.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 14, 2014
Nash has yet to speak to media about what he’s dealing with, but the back-nerves-hamstrings are all connected, similar to last year.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 14, 2014
Scott said he hadn’t made up his mind on a permanent switch, but he appeared to be leaning toward Lin, 26.
“I have no doubt in my mind that if I went to Steve and said tomorrow, ‘You know what, I’m going to start Jeremy and the games that you’re available, we’re going to bring you off the bench,’ he’s such a professional that I don’t think it would be a problem whatsoever,” Scott said.
Steve Nash played 50 games at age 38, the lowest percentage of his team’s games he’d played to that point. At 39, he played just 15 games.
Now 40, Nash is unlikely to get healthier.
If the Lakers want any semblance of continuity in their starting lineup, Lin is the only choice to start. His injury seems minor, and he’s young enough to settle in once the regular season begins.
Nash, a two-time MVP, was better than Lin ever will be. But, just as clearly, Lin is better now.
The sooner the Lakers embrace that distinction, the better off they’ll be.