NBA Rumors: Lakers’ Steve Nash allegedly tells friends he will retire

The Los Angeles Lakers lost point guard Steve Nash to an injury on Sunday, just days after the veteran had returned from another injury.

Prior to Nash’s return, the Santa Clara alum had only played in six games all season – this after playing in just about half of Los Angeles’ games during the 2012-2013 season.

Dealing with significant nerve pain and back issues, the end could be near for Nash – even as soon as the end of this season as according to the New York Daily News, Nash has allegedly been telling friends he plans to retire at season end.

"Steve Nash finally made it back to the Lakers and has told a few friends this is going to be it, even though he has one season to go on his contract, at $9.7 million. Nash, who turned 40 Friday, doesn’t expect to help much, but that’s been the story of his injury-plagued Laker career. He really missed the camaraderie with his teammates when he was out for three months with a nerve injury in his back, and says he wants to experience that for at least the last part of this season before he calls it a career."

Nash, who reportedly pondered medical retirement earlier this season will likely shrug off the rumor much like he did when the question arose a few months back, but you have to wonder how much longer Nash can keep going. While still talented, he simply can’t stay on the court to make much of an impact.