Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash's career is likely over after his latest injury setback that will have him missing the entire season.

The eight-time National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star and two-time Most Valuable Player award winner (2005 and 2006) has announced that he will miss the entire 2014-2015 season just three games into the preseason after straining his back carrying travel bags. Nash, the oldest active player at the age of 40 who was drafted 15th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft, was attempting to return back to action this season but ended up re-aggravating his injuries, potentially putting him out of action for good.

"Being on the court this season has been my top priority, and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now," Nash said. "I work very hard to stay healthy, and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest and will focus on my long-term health."

After stellar runs with the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns, Nash's tenure with the Lakers has been a nightmare, having only played 65 games in two seasons after fracturing his left leg colliding into Portland Trailblazer Damian Lillard during the 2012-2013 NBA season and later suffering nerve problems stemming from the leg injury during the 2013-2014 NBA season.

Nash landed in Los Angeles just prior to the 2012-2013 season, turning down overtures from the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors, in a sign-and-trade deal that sent two first round draft picks (2013 and 2015) and two second round draft picks (2013 and 2014) to the Phoenix Suns for the future Hall of Fame point guard. Nash is currently third on the all-time assist list (10,335) behind only Jason Kidd (12,091) and John Stockton (15,806).

The point guard is currently in the last year of his three-year deal and will not likely receive offers next offseason considering his history of injuries over the last three seasons.

Meanwhile, the starting point guard role for the Lakers is now left wide open, with several possibilities.

The Lakers signed free agent Ronnie Price this offseason and traded for Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin as well as a 2015 first and second draft picks in exchange for the rights to Ukrainian center Sergei Lishouk, currently playing for Valencia of the Spanish League.

Price has started in four preseason games while Nash decided whether he would play. Lin, who also had a previous stint with the New York Knicks, has averaged 10.8 points and 6.0 assists through four games coming off the bench and has earned the support of Laker great Magic Johnson.

"Jeremy Lin is going to be a good starting PG for the Lakers w/ his ability to get in the lane and create shots for himself & his teammates," Johnson said via Twitter.

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