Lakers' Scott on Nash: 'I don’t think he’s leaning towards trying to get back'

Byron Scott thinks what most people do: injured point guard Steve Nash won't be coming back for a 20th season. 

The Los Angeles Lakers coach talked to reporters a day after Nash wrote a lengthy Facebook post explaining his current situation. 

"I think it’s given me a little bit of insight of where he’s leaning towards. I don’t think he’s leaning towards trying to get back (in the NBA)," Scott said, according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN. 

Nash, who is sidelined for the year with an injured back, had previously said this season could be his last, but hasn't officially stated plans to retire. All signs point to it happening, but Scott isn't surprised Nash hasn't come out and said it -  if the 40-year-old has even decided deep down he's calling it quits.

"I think people have to understand what he’s going through from an emotional standpoint, as well," Scott said. "It’s very hard for a player, a professional basketball player or any athlete, to say I can’t do it anymore. You’re the last one to admit that. I think he’s gotten to the point where he’s probably starting to admit that he can’t play this game at a high level anymore."

Nash has been held to 65 games since joining the Lakers ahead of the 2012-13 season. The Lakers signed him to a three-year, $28-million deal that is set to expire at the end of this season.

Part of Nash's open letter addressed the fans who have been negative towards him, explaining how hard he has worked to come back and how difficult the game is. 

Scott backed that up, defending Nash's work ethic and commitment to the Lakers. 

"He works his butt off to try to play basketball in a competitive level and I think you have to give him credit for that," Scott said.

"Obviously his age probably caught up to him along with all the mileage and all the things that he’s done on the basketball court all those years. And we could say to this point that, all right, it probably has ended his career. But he’s still one of the best players to ever play this game."