Steve Nash injury: Back problems flare up, will see specialist Monday

Steve Nash missed the second half of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of unspecified back issues and will meet with a specialist on Monday to "explore further", reports to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell. Nash finished the game with two points and three assists.

The Lakers have already implemented a "plan" to rest Nash during back-to-backs. He sat out the Lakers' loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday and has been limited to 24.2 minutes per game through the start of the season.

Nash missed two of the Lakers' four playoff games last season due to back issues. He missed 32 regular season games total in his first year with the organization after fracturing his leg. Nash has stated that he still suffers from nerve damage stemming from the injury.

There are no further details available regarding the severity of Nash's back problems, but it's clear he has struggled to start the season. He's shooting just 27.9 percent from the field and averaging 5.2 assists per game. Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar will see extended minutes at point guard.

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