Lakers' Nash won't play this season

Oct 24, 2014 - 12:53 AM El Segundo, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Recurring nerve damage in his back will keep Steve Nash from playing in his 19th NBA season.

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Thursday that after consulting with the team's medical staff, both Nash and the organization believe it is in the best interest of the future Hall of Famer to not take the court this season.

"As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we're even more disappointed for Steve," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. "We know how hard he's worked the last two years to try to get his body right for the rigors of the NBA, and how badly he wants to play."

Nash has battled numerous injuries since joining the Lakers in July of 2012, appearing in just 65 of a possible 164 regular season games. He was limited to 15 games and 10 starts last season due to nerve damage from a leg injury he suffered the season before.

Following last season, Nash announced that the 2014-15 campaign would be his last. The 40-year-old has made no formal retirement announcement at this time.

"I work very hard to stay healthy and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult," Nash said. "I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health."

Nash, a two-time MVP, ranks third in NBA history with 10,335 assists. His 90.4 percent free throw percentage is the best of all time.