According to multiple reports, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash has an injured back that has caused him to miss several practices recently.

Nash's injury was caused from carrying bags, a weird source for an injury, especially considering most veteran players have rookies or team officials carry their bags for them. Although a well-established point guard, Nash is 40 years old and his skills have been diminishing. Nash has been in the NBA since 1996.

The Lakers have played three preseason games thus far, winning one of them. Their next preseason game is Thursday, Oct. 16 against the Utah Jazz. When asked about Nash's status, head coach Byron Scott said he would be "leaning" towards Jeremy Lin instead.

Nash has been battling a lot of injuries lately in his career. Last season, Nash only started 10 games because of a leg and groin injury. The Lakers can't trade or release Nash because of his extremely high payroll.

Scott was also asked about Lin long term as the starting point guard for the Lakers. He responded by saying:

"I haven't got there yet. And in a couple weeks, if the situation is the same, that's probably the type of way that I have to go."

Lin is 26 years old, 14 years younger than Nash. Obviously, Lin still has some things to learn and a few improvements to make, but he would be the better choice going forward as the Lakers starting point guard. Most NBA experts and inside sources say that Lin will be the starter this upcoming season.

Lin and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant have the ability to be a terrific back court combination. Lin has said numerous times that he looks forward to playing with Bryant and learning from Nash. Bryant missed almost all of last season because of a leg injury, and he is entering his 19th career season in the NBA. Kobe will have to trust in Lin going forward like he used to with Derek Fisher.

Lin could give the Lakers that dual threat scoring and passing ability the Lakers very much need. Last season, the Lakers set a franchise record for losses in a season with 55. Carlos Boozer was a good addition, but with Pau Gasol gone, Lin will be asked to do a lot in a loaded Western Conference.

With Nash having so many injuries and his better years behind him, Lin looks to be the best option going forward. Even in Nash's prime, he was never a very good defensive player.

Without Kendall Marshall and Steve Blake on the Lakers, ball distribution looked to be a huge problem going forward. Trading for Lin was certainly an upgrade for the Lakers' passing offense.

After stops with the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and the Lakers, Lin has shown he is a great passer and a good scorer. His defense will have to improve, and he will have to get used to Lakers system. But, that's what preseason is for.

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