Lakers’ Steve Nash is doubtful for Friday’s game

Steve Nash did not practice Thursday and was doubtful for the Lakers’ game Friday against Memphis, Coach Mike D’Antoni said.

Nash sat out the Lakers’ victory Tuesday over Dallas because of hip and hamstring soreness. He left their previous game in the first two minutes and their game before that in the third quarter.

If Nash is unable to go, Steve Blake will again assume a starting role. He averaged 13 points and one assist in the Lakers’ last two games. He made nine of 17 shots, including eight of 15 from three-point range.

The Lakers (39-36) have a half-game lead over Utah for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

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