It's been rocky start to the 2012-13 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team has gone 1-3 to kickoff the season and have looked out of sorts early in the season. And though Dwight Howard finally exploded for 28 points and seven rebounds in LA's first win over Detroit, the team still have to develop chemistry on the court and losing former NBA MVP Steve Nash won't help matters.
Nash suffered a a fracture of his fibula in his left leg during the Lakers contest with the Blazers when he collided with rookie Damien Lillard. After an MRI, it was decided Nash should sit out a minimum a week to heal.
Here is what coach Mike Brown had to say about the situation.
“We got capable guys that can step up and fill his spot and that’s what we’re going to have to get. Obviously Darrius(Morris) is going to get some minutes so it’s going to help his growth and (Steve) Blake is going to get a chance to play with the starting group, so we’ll be able to see what he’s going to be able to bring to the table and we’ll just go from there.”
LA's guard depth could help weather the storm with Steve Blake, Darrius Morris and Chris Duhon capable of stepping up. In the in over Detroit, Blake started and scored 6 points, recorded 5 steals, 6 assists, 5 rebounds in 30 minutes with Morris chipping in with 6 points. Prior to the injury, Nash was averaging 4.5 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Seems, at least for a game, Blake can steady the ship without the 16-year veteran. However, no guard can replace what Nash brings to the court. He is a threat offensively and not to mention, his presence alone makes any team better.
Also factor in LA's first win was over the lowly Pistons (0-3) and up next is the Jazz who will provide more of a fight than Detroit did. For his career against Utah, Nash averages 8.7 assists, 3 rebounds, and 13.2 points so he might be missed.
The good news is that the injury happened early in the season, and it will give Blake, Duhon and Morris much needed time on the court should they be counted on in the future for LA.
