Los Angeles Lakers: Steve Nash expected to return tonight vs T-Wolves

Nov 5, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash (10) smiles to the crowd during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a long time coming.

The last time Steve Nash was in uniform for the Los Angeles Lakers, it was Nov 10. The Lakers were 3-4. Fast forward some 40 games later and Nash is set to re-join the 16-31 Lakers, with no playoffs in sight. With pretty much nothing to really play for, except for pride and the rest of that money on his contract. Still, the important thing is that he’s back. At least, that’s what it looks like.

Both Nash, and Steve Blake (elbow), were listed as probable as practice ended on Monday — meaning that both will be active and should play on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Without Nash and Blake, the Lakers had been relying heavily on Kendall Marshall, who had been a nice fit in Mike D’Antoni’s system. It’ll be interesting to see how D’Antoni manages the minutes for Nash and Blake, and how he handles Marshall going forward. Marshall had been averaging 10.5 points and 9.6 assists in their absence.

Bottom line is that Nash will at least give it a go. It’ll be interesting to see how efficient he can be, especially after hearing rumblings of retirement during the past couple of months.