Everyone paying attention to the NBA in the past year will know that Kobe Bryant has been constantly struggling with an injury, and has not been able to play much.
Steve Nash has also been forced to sit out for several games, and it may simply be a sign that the two veterans are getting to the point where they are unable to compete with all of the young talented stars of today. It is unlikely that they will be able to return during the 2013-2014 season.
Bryant and Nash have both had successful careers, but with the news that neither of them could return to the court by the end of the season, it is unclear what the future will hold for the two NBA stars.
Kobe Bryant has still not be cleared medically due to his knee injury, and Nash continues to battle with chronic back problems. Bryant was nominated to the All-Star team again this year of course, but was forced to sit out due to his continuing injury problems.
Lakers get more bad news…doctors not clearing Kobe Bryant to return to any basketball workouts..pain swelling still exist-done for year
— Lee Hacksaw Hamilton (@hacksaw1090) March 4, 2014
Without two of the veteran guards in the NBA, among other injuries, the Lakers have had trouble winning all year, and currently have a record of 20-39. Their awful record puts them in a 3-way tie for last place in the conference, along with the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers only have six weeks left in their season with no chance of making the playoffs, and Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash have combined for a total of 16 games during the season. Some may argue that if he were to play, it could help them, but as an aging player, it is best not to risk it.
Coach Mike D’Antoni was recently quoted when speaking about Steve Nash, but the statement could apply to Bryant as well. He spoke of his veteran when saying “I don’t know what to tell you. What’s the endgame? We’ve talked about it. He’s not completely healthy. We have 23 games left. We’re not going to make the playoffs. So what’s his objective in taking minutes away from the young guys that we’re trying to develop?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGbte77VtlI
With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash both out, and a younger team that continues to lose, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to reevaluate what they want to do with their roster heading into the 2014-2015 season.
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