Steve Nash leaves Lakers’ game because of knee injury

Steve Nash left the Lakers’ game in the third quarter Sunday after suffering nerve irritation in the same leg that was fractured last season.

Nash, who apparently collided with a Chicago Bulls player, left with eight points and two assists in 21 minutes.

Nash, who turned 40 on Friday, was only three games into his comeback from a back injury that sidelined him a total of 31 games.

Nash actually played well Friday against Philadelphia, finishing with 19 points and five assists.

He threw some behind-the-back passes against Chicago and made three of his four shots before leaving with five minutes to play in the third quarter. He also had three turnovers.

Nash initially injured his left leg in October 2012 when he collided with Portland guard Damian Lillard. It was a freak injury but there was nerve damage in addition to the fracture and it ultimately cost Nash 24 games last season.

The Lakers (18-32) suited up only nine players Sunday and were trying to add to a two-game winning streak.

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