With Dwight Howard.
Nash was very hopeful the soon to be free agent center would return to the Lakers.
I think this is the place for him Nash said Monday. He's in the prime of his career. He's got his best years ahead of him. He can play for one of the greatest franchises in sports and an amazing city. This has got to be the place for him and I'm hopeful that he sees it that way.
Howard 27 can sign a five year $118 million deal with the Lakers in July or a four year $88 million deal with another team.
Reserve guard Jodie Meeks who built a solid bond with Howard during their first season with the Lakers also seemed to think a reunion would be best.
I know he loves this city. I know he loves the team Meeks said. We got pretty close this year as friends from the same hometown Atlanta . I can't really say exactly what he's going to do but I know he likes the city.
Nash was the highlighted name on the first day of Lakers season ending interviews. He met with General Manager Mitch Kupchak and Coach Mike D'Antoni at the team training facility and then swore his resolve to reporters none of whom predicted such a flat season for him or the Lakers' playoff exit before May.
The bigger names Howard Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant will meet Tuesday with Kupchak and D'Antoni.
Reserve forward Antawn Jamison however skipped his Monday meeting after an up and down time with the Lakers that will end with his having wrist surgery Tuesday the team said. He will not return to the Lakers next season.
Nash 39 doesn't have as much freedom as Howard. Nor do the Lakers really. They will be together again despite Nash's injury riddled season in which he sat out 24 games because of a fractured leg and 10 more because of hip and hamstring injuries including the Lakers' last two playoff games.
Nash has two more seasons and $19 million remaining on his Lakers contract. His trade value has never been lower thanks to age injuries and stats he averaged 12.7 points and 6.7 assists in only 50 regular season games. He had four epidural shots in his back this month because of preexisting nerve issues that caused pain in his hip and weakness in his hamstring.
He called this season the most frustrating of his 17 year career. I'm definitely going to prepare better than I ever had to try to make this year a distant memory and next year a phenomenal experience he said.
Nash said it would probably take a month for his injuries to feel better.
I don't have any concern and I haven't gotten wind from anyone on the medical staff that there's any concern for long term issues or for next season to be in jeopardy he said.
Metta World gone
Metta World Peace wore a blue Cookie Monster T shirt for his end of season meeting with Kupchak and D'Antoni.
In unrelated news if the Lakers don't use their amnesty provision on Gasol in July World Peace is their next option.
He is due to make $7.7 million next season assuming World Peace exercises a player option in June a no brainer.
You never know. Anything can happen he said.
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