Lakers’ Steve Nash intends to return to team soon

Los Angeles Lakers' Steve Nash, right, passes off the ball as Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Pauldefends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. (Danny Moloshok/The Associated Press file photo)

Los Angeles Lakers’ Steve Nash, right, passes off the ball as Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Pauldefends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. (Danny Moloshok/The Associated Press file photo)

ATLANTA –It took a few days to happen. But Steve Nash finally touched base with Lakers coach Byron Scott.

Well, kind of. Scott reported Nash returned his phone call he made four days ago sometime on Monday afternoon providing suggesting that he intends to have a presence around the Lakers’ soon despite nursing continual back problems that will keep him out for the 2014-15 season.

“He did say on his message that he’s definitely going to come back and see everybody,” Scott said Tuesday before the Lakers (1-9) visited the Atlanta Hawks (5-4) at Philips Arena. “He just needed some time, which we all understood. But he didn’t give me a set time.”

The Lakers have allowed Nash to keep a comfortable distance away from the team since it became clear until late October. But Scott became puzzled that he hadn’t heard from Nash immediately after calling him. Nash also inadvertently caused a public stir when he posted a video on his Instagram account golfing at a driving range, sparking negative comments regarding the $9.8 million the Lakers owe him on his contract.

The Lakers hope the 40-year-old Nash mentors the team’s backcourt considering he cemented a Hall of Fame worthy resume that entails two NBA MVP awards and a third-place standing on the league’s all-time assists list. But Scott said it’s too early to know what exact role that will entail until he and Nash talk more than just exchanging voicemails.

“It was a very simple message: ‘I heard that you called me. I don’t check my voicemail, but I’m calling you back,'” Scott said. “‘Hope everything is well. Hang in there. See you guys soon.'”


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