Steve Nash set to start when Los Angeles Lakers face Utah Jazz on Tuesday

Feb 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash (10) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Lakers defeated the Sixers 112-98. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

After exiting Sunday’s game with the Chicago Bulls early with diagnosed “nerve irritation”, there were many whispers that Steve Nash could be headed for retirement following the 2013-2014 season. However, Nash was quick to dismiss those notions, and in an effort to assuage any doubt, Nash is back in the starting lineup on Tuesday night when LA faces off with the Utah Jazz.

Steve Nash (nerve irritation) will start vs. Utah next to Blake and Johnson. Meanwhile, Williams and Kaman replace Kelly and Sacre.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 11, 2014

Aside from mild laughter surrounding the current state of the Lakers and their starting five (yikes), this is hugely encouraging news for Nash. The 40-year-old point guard looked quite good against the Sixers on Friday with 19 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in 28 minutes, and prior to his early exit on Sunday, he was well on his way to a productive afternoon. There are real signs that Nash still has the top-shelf skill level that made him a 2-time MVP, and any time he can play, it’s a great thing for the Lakers and the league.

It’s probably too early for any sort of parade or assumption that Nash will be okay for the rest of the season, but it looks as if Tuesday night’s game will include Nash.

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