Lakers' Scott on Nash rejoining team in new year: 'I think so'

For the first time in months, Steve Nash paid a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Eve.

Away from the team since being ruled out for the season on Oct. 23, Nash stopped by the airport to see the team off for their two-game holiday road trip. 

The Lakers, head coach Byron Scott in particular, have been clear that they'd like Nash around the team even though the odds of him ever playing for them (or any team) again are basically nil, but Nash has kept his distance. Scott and Nash didn't even talk for a month after the point guard was ruled out, but the coach maintains he'd like Nash around the practice facility if Nash is game. 

The airport visit may have been a first step toward that reality.

"I think so," Scott said, as relayed by Arash Markazi of ESPN. "... It was great to see him, first of all, and for all the players to see him. It was a great gesture on his part to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. He still has to deal with the fact that his career might be over. That's still something he's wrestling with."

Scott said he's told Nash he's welcome to come to practices, either as a part of the team or coaching staff or in an undefined role.

It's tough to fault Nash for wanting his distance – even if he is being paid $9.7 million – considering how tough it must be to have what was likely your final season taken away from you. At 40 years old and having barely played for two seasons, a comeback is unlikely, and being around the team may make that more difficult to deal with.