The Los Angeles Lakers lose a key player for the upcoming season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as point guard Steve Nash is unable to recover from his ongoing back issues.

The Lakers confirmed the news recently, stating that due to Nash's recurring nerve damage in his back, he will not be playing for the 2014-2015 season.

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The 40-year old superstar from Canada said previously that he expected his 19^th NBA season to be his last.

He has not stated his intention to retire though, nor for playing for a team other than Los Angeles, as the Lakers were mulling over using their stretch provision to cut Nash out for salary-cap saving.

With the onset of a debilitating injury though, Nash might need to rest up for another year and save his last shot for another year.

However, his body and back have responded that they just aren't up for the NBA. Despite the fact that he is willing to keep playing, his body is not.

Nash explained the situation recently, saying that being able to play was his top priority this season, and he is disappointed at not being able to reach it.

"I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health," Nash said.

What was initially an impassable opportunity for the Lakers - spurred by Nash's selection to the All-Star team last 2012 - is quickly turning out to be one of the worst deals for the team.

Since then, the Lakers have not won a playoff game, and they also gave up first-round picks in 2013 and 2015, with second-round picks also forfeited for 2013 and 2014, all for US $27.9 million they shelled out for Nash.

Despite that, Nash is historically, one of the best players to play in the NBA.

He is first for the league's free-throw percentage (at 90.4), third in all-time assists with 10,335, and one of only 10 players to win consecutive NBA MVP awards.

Tagssteve nash, back injury, Los Angeles Lakers, byron scott