Nash doubts he'll be ready by Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash said Friday that he doubts he will be ready to play by Tuesday, according to ESPN Los Angeles. Nash still cannot jog or participate in any on-court drills without pain. The veteran fractured his left leg in the Lakers' season-opener on Oct. 31. He sustained the injury when he bumped knees with Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. Nash has already been ruled out of Saturday's game at the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers return home Tuesday to play the Indiana Pacers. "Hopefully it's something that resolves soon," Nash said. "Nobody really knows because it's not like tissue or bone. It's painful. It's under control right now, but it's still very sensitive so it can flare up. We just need to let the nerves settle down." He attempted some on-court drills a week ago, but experienced too much pain. "It kind of flared up so we kind of cut back on that," he said. "It wasn't anything bad, it was more that I just realized I'm not really ready for that." He has not been cleared to shoot or jog. He is limited to lifting weights and working out on an elliptical machine. Backup point guard Steve Blake might play Tuesday night. He has been out with a pulled abdomen. Coach Mike D'Antoni said Blake has to make it through a practice before he is cleared. The Lakers have depended on Darius Morris and Chris Duhon to run the point without Nash and Blake. Kobe Bryant has taken on more responsibilities as well. D'Antoni said he thinks Nash could play Tuesday. Nash hopes to be back by then. "It's difficult for me to be myself and not be playing," Nash said. "You're not healthy, you can't work, you can't add energy. You can't do anything. I'm watching and trying to take it in, but I'm also trying to fight my own mentality in getting my body ready. "I feel like I can help. I know what (D'Antoni) wants and what he's trying to do. I can help with situations and details that maybe could help them."