The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2004-05 season, but most of their fans are still optimistic that their team can turn things around in their final 23 games this season.
However, their chances to advance to the playoffs are expected to become dimmer as reports indicated that superstar guard Kobe Bryant and veteran playmaker Steve Nash will likely miss the remainder of the season.
Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni said that Bryant is nowhere near to returning at this point since the superstar is still recovering from his knee injury, and team doctors have yet to allow him to perform basketball-related activities.
"The doctors haven't cleared Kobe so it's a non-issue right now," D'Antoni said, LA Times reported. "The thing is, does he get back and play some games to get his rhythm back for next year or just wait? So I don't know."
When asked if he sees any reason to play Bryant this season, considering the fact that they are almost out of playoff contention, D'Antoni said that he sees no advantage of doing so, but added that the final decision is not his to make.
"Not really," D'Antoni said. "That's not on me. That's something that they've got to figure out."
Bryant, who started the season sidelined by an Achilles tendon injury, averaged 13.8 points and 6.3 assists in six games before hurting his knee during their 96-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on December 20 in Memphis.
And as for Nash, who remains sidelined with nerve irritation in his back, D'Antoni did not sound optimistic that the 40-year-old veteran will be able to return this season.
D'Antoni said that forcing Nash to return in their remaining games will deny their young guys the opportunity to develop their games as part of their preparation for next season.
"We've talked about it. He's not completely healthy," D'Antoni said on Nash. "We have 23 games left. We're not going to make the playoffs. So what's his objective in taking minutes away from the young guys that we're trying to develop? Now, if Steve starts to feel better, then we'll see."
Nash, who previously said that he wants to return this season and possibly next season, has played in 10 games this season, averaging 7.6 points and 4.7 assists in 22.5 minutes per game.
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