Lakers PG Steve Nash injures back while carrying bags

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash injured his back Wednesday while carrying bags, coach Byron Scott said Wednesday.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash injured his back Wednesday while carrying bags, coach Byron Scott said Wednesday.

Nash missed practice and is not expected to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Utah Jazz.

The 40-year-old has been limited to only 65 games over the past two seasons with injuries.

On Tuesday, Lakers coach Byron Scott suggested that Nash's lingering back issue could lead to Jeremy Lin -- whom Los Angeles acquired via trade this summer -- stepping in as the starting point guard, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times.

"I have no doubt in my mind that if I went to Steve and said tomorrow, 'You know what, I'm going to start Jeremy and the games that you're available, we're going bring you off the bench,' he's such a professional that I don't think it would be a problem whatsoever," Scott said Tuesday.

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Nash scored 11 points in 20 minutes in the Lakers' Oct. 7 preseason opener but has logged only a combined 12 minutes over the past two games. He is entering the final year of a three-year deal worth $28 million.

The Lakers open the regular season Oct. 28 against the Houston Rockets.

Lakers say Steve Nash hurt his back carrying bags today. Didn’t practice for third straight day. Unlikely to play Thursday vs. Utah.

— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) October 15, 2014

- Chris Johnson