Steve Nash doubtful for game against Clippers on Friday

The Lakers have listed point guard Steve Nash as doubtful for their game against the Clippers on Friday night because of a lower-leg contusion.

“I hope so. We’ll see if it calms down some more,” said Nash about playing in the game, after he missed practice Thursday. “I’m a little too optimistic to say doubtful. It’s definitely touch and go.”

Nash was injured in the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers in Wednesday night’s 116-106 loss. He attempted to start the third quarter but quickly came out for the remainder of the second half.

“Steve Blake, you better be ready,” said Coach Mike Brown. “And whoever is going to back Steve Blake up, you better be ready.”

If Nash doesn’t play, Chris Duhon is more likely to get the minutes behind Blake instead of second-year guard Darius Morris (at least based on Brown’s recent rotation).

Kobe Bryant also sat out practice, nursing his foot that kept him out for a little more than a week of preseason. Bryant is officially listed as “day to day,” but there seemed little doubt from the All-Star guard that he would sit.

In defense of Brown and the team’s offense, Bryant advised Lakers fans to “shut up. Let us work and at the end of the day, you’ll be happy with results as you normally are.”

Bryant ridiculed the notion that the offense would be better off if he took 30 shots a game or if Nash dribbled out the shot clock.

He also compared Brown’s philosophy of team basketball to Phil Jackson’s, except Jackson isn’t here to tell everyone to “shut up.”

In his own defense, Brown excitedly broke out the team’s box score against the Blazers to point out the team’s main issues were related to defense and turnovers.

Brown noted the offense has actually been quite efficient over two games and the team is still far from comfortable in it.

Brown remains confident in the long-term vision, and by Bryant’s comments, the Lakers coach seems to have the full support of his star.

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