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Lakers want Nash to be mentor
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All posts by Alan DraperUpdated13 hours ago on April 23, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers want to keep injured point guard Steve Nash around in a mentor role, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Nash, 40, has been ruled out from playing this season because of nerve problems in his back. He only played 15 games last season because of injuries.
The Lakers will apply for the disabled-player exception, the Orange County Register reported.
Coach Byron Scott said he would like Nash to remain part of the team in a mentoring role.
“I have some things in mind already if he would like to do that,” Scott said. “I would love to have him around. I think his expertise and experience could help a lot of our young guys.”
It is not clear if Nash will accept such a role. He vowed last season to play one more year before retiring.
General manager Mitch Kupchak said Nash needs to rest his back for the next two weeks.
Nash, third on the all-time list in assists through 19 NBA seasons, is a two-time MVP.
Also, the Lakers waived guard Jabari Brown and forward Roscoe Smith.
Brown, a rookie from Missouri, appeared in four preseason games for Los Angeles, tallying five points, two rebounds and an assist in 22 minutes.
Smith, a rookie from UNLV, saw action in seven of the Lakers’ eight preseason contests, averaging 3.1 points and 3.1 rebounds.
The Lakers roster is at 15 players.
