Lakers Steve Nash Will Return Saturday Vs. Warriors

By Greg Price | December 22 2012 6:51 PM

After missing all but two games this season, point guard Steve Nash will return to the Los Angles Lakers lineup Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors.

Reuters

Steve Nash, right, was supposed to make life easier for Kobe Bryant. Now with Bryant out, Nash's status is also uncertain heading into the playoffs.

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Nash was moved from a game-time decision to active, according to ESPN. Originally Nash targeted Christmas Day for his return, but he's apparently ready to go, and the Lakers will probably monitor his minutes and progress closely.

He went down with a hairline fracture in his leg against the Portland Trailblazers on Oct. 31. The 38-year-old and former two-time MVP was expected to ignite the Lakers offense upon his arrival this summer in a trade with the Phoenix Suns, but has played just 50 minutes this season.

Nash has been reunited with head coach Mike D’Antoni after the two spent six seasons together in Phoenix, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2005 and 2006 and running one of the most high-octane and efficient offenses in NBA history.

The Lakers are 12-14 and are riding a three-game win streak, but could use Nash's experience and leadership to bring them back above .500 and become the dominant team many expected before the season began.

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