Steve Nash pens open letter to fans: 'I've never worked harder'

As he's wont to do, Steve Nash opened up and let fans in Friday.

The injured and likely-to-retire Los Angeles Lakers point guard took to his Facebook page to explain the hardship he's gone through, the process of accepting the severity of his injuries, and his reasons for finally simply shutting it down.

It's somewhat difficult to read without feeling bad for Nash, as he seems to be responding to criticism and disappointment, which is abjectly unfair considering the circumstances. It speaks to Nash's strength of character that he's responded calmly and, as always, openly, something he is by no means required to do.

The entire message is worth a read, but below are a couple of brief clips.

On his attempt to continue to play: 

I've always been one of the hardest workers in the game and I say that at the risk of what it assumes. The past 2 years I've worked like a dog to not only overcome these setbacks but to find the form that could lift up and inspire the fans in LA as my last chapter. Obviously it's been a disaster on both fronts but I've never worked harder, sacrificed more or faced such a difficult challenge mentally and emotionally. 

On the realization of his situation:

Competitiveness, professionalism, naiveté and hope that at some point I'd turn a corner has kept me fighting to get back. As our legendary trainer Gary Vitti, who is a close friend, told me, 'You're the last to know' - and my back has shown me the forecast over the past 18-20 months. 
...
Once you're asked to accelerate and decelerate with Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving it is a completely different demand.

On the response of fans:

By no means do I tell you this for sympathy - especially since I see these ailments as badges of honor - but maybe I can bring some clarity. 
...
I understand why some fans are disappointed. I haven't been able to play a lot of games or at the level we all wanted. Unfortunately that's a part of pro sports that happens every year on every team. I wish desperately it was different.
...
I'm doing what I've always done which is share a bit of my off-court life in the same way everyone else does. Going forward I hope we all can refocus our energies on getting behind these Lakers. This team will be back and Staples will be rocking.

Please never change, Steve Nash. And here's hoping your injuries don't preclude you from enjoying your post-NBA life.