Los Angeles Lakers’ PG Steve Nash dealing with nerve damage

It hasn’t been easy for point guard Steve Nash in Los Angeles.

The Lakers, a favorite to win the title last season, struggled throughout the season and were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs.

Now, Nash is dealing with nerve damage.

“I’m still extremely optimistic,” Nash told  Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles. “I just think maybe the level of health is different. It is going to be a day to day struggle for me and that’s something I’m up for though, and I’m optimistic that if I don’t have any freak situations again I can try to get on top on all of these things.”

Nash is averaging 7.0 points and 5.3 assists in 24.3 minutes per game.

“Really, I’m still fighting things that happened because of the broken leg, with all of the nerve issues. So, it is what it is. I’m optimistic still that I can get to the highest level I can get at this stage. I think if [Sunday] night is an indication if I can get up another level or two, I’m going to be pretty effective.”

The Lakers will be back in action Tuesday when they travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks.