Lakers News: Latest on Kobe Bryant's Return and Steve Nash's Health

Despite low expectations and a mediocre roster, the Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the league’s most popular teams and feature one of the brightest stars in the league—Kobe Bryant.

Unfortunately, the Black Mamba has yet to step onto the court during the 2013-14 campaign and that has many fans curious as to when he will be back.

Let’s take a look at the latest news on that front, plus check in on teammate Steve Nash’s health in Wednesday’s Lakers roundup.

Bryant Feeling “Pretty Good”

While the Lakers were in action last night—losing to the Dallas Mavericks, 123-104—the main story surrounding the team continues to be Kobe’s eventual return.

The Mamba video conferenced in ahead of that contest from the American Airlines Center to chat with the hosts of NBATV’s Fan Night, and he was immediately asked about his progress and when his comeback may potentially happen.

Unfortunately, Bryant remained cryptic about his rehab process—but did clue viewers in slightly in regards to his status.

When asked by Ernie Johnson if there were any sort of timeline to conclude his recovery, the 35-year-old superstar had this to say: “No. Not yet. I’m pushing it, these past weeks I felt pretty good.”

Bryant went on to admit that he realizes that getting back to 100 percent is the main goal and he will not attempt a premature comeback that would potentially put his career in jeopardy.

While it’s great that Bryant is feeling better over the past few weeks, many are anxious to hear a concrete date that the veteran is eyeing to return. Hopefully he provides one in the near future, as the waiting will only get tougher—especially if the Lakers continue to lose.

Nash Hasn’t Been Same Since Last Year’s Injury

Steve Nash hasn’t been playing at an MVP level in quite a few years, but his production took a significant dip after suffering a leg fracture in the second game of his Lakers career during the unfortunate 2012-13 campaign.

According to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, the 39-year-old point guard admitted that he is still battling lingering effects from that injury:

"

I'm still fighting things that happened because of the broken leg. I still feel that almost every day, all over. It's not just in that spot. The whole system in a way is different now, it's just a little bit more sensitive.

"

Nash has already missed a game this season, sitting out the second leg—no pun intended—of a back-to-back against the Golden State Warriors last week. Head coach Mike D’Antoni informed ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin that resting Nash in those situations would likely be regular procedure throughout the season in order to keep the aging veteran fresh.

Now in his 18th season, Nash isn’t able to play the extended minutes of his youth. He is still a solid contributor—averaging 6.5 points, 5.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game—but he is much more limited due to the impact of Father Time and the ailments that have plagued him since the leg fracture.

If the Lakers truly have hopes for a championship this year, the team must do its best to keep Nash healthy come springtime. He is still extremely capable of taking over a game and is going to be an instrumental part of any potential playoff run with his elite passing ability and long-range shooting.

It’s a tall task, but Nash, D’Antoni and the training staff must do everything possible to keep the point guard from breaking down further in 2013-14.