Lakers’ Steve Nash out vs. Jazz

ANAHEIM — Steve Nash may have sat out for the past three practices. He may have experienced more back spasms after carrying bags. Yet, the Lakers’ 40-year-old point guard hoped to play tonight against the Utah Jazz at Honda Center in Anaheim.

“I’m going to try,” Nash said as he left the Lakers’ locker room.

The effort was unsuccessful.

The Lakers had expected Nash to sit. But Lakers coach Byron Scott recalled receiving a text message from Lakers trainer Gary Vitti about Nash’s intentions. Scott had not spoken to Nash prior to the coach’s media session about 90 minutes before the 7 p.m. tipoff time. But it appears likely that Lakers veteran guard Ronnie Price will start while Nash plays in limited minutes off the bench.

“Any coach would be hesitant if my player says my back is hurting and now I can play,” Scott said. “I’m going to trust him if he thinks he can play. I’m going to put him out there and see what he can do.”

Lakers guard Jeremy Lin will also sit out tonight because of a sprained left ankle that has kept him limited in the past week. Lin will likely play Sunday against Utah at Staples Center after advancing to conditioning drills in recent days.


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