Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash has been ruled out for the entire season with a back injury he sustained last week.
The 40-year-old felt back pain in his second pre-season game earlier this month and he then strained his back carrying travel bags several days ago.
Nash is the NBA's oldest active player ahead of his 19th season in the league, and he was limited to just 15 games last season due to nerve root irritation.
The Lakers veteran is in the final year of his contract with the franchise and although the official statement released did not mention retirement, Nash has previously hinted that this could be his final year in the league.
Nash is third on the NBA's career assists list and won two MVP awards in 2005 and 2006 as his playmaking and scoring abilities earned him recognition.
