LA Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni was just being practical. However, at this stage when Steve Nash is already 40 with a long line of injuries, such an announcement will prove ominous.

Mike D'Antoni was asked whether Steve Nash would return this season. His answer, from ESPN: "I doubt it. I don't think so. What's the end game? We've talked about it. He's not completely healthy. We have 23 games left. We're not going to make the playoffs. So what's his objective into taking minutes away from the young guys that we're trying to develop? That's kind of the theme that we're talking about."

Upon further prodding, he expands: "We'll see. I couldn't really make a prediction. If I get the chance, it would be great."

Perhaps he realized that such a statement will be interpreted as "The end" of Steve Nash, so he backtracked. However, it's not just him. A report from Mitch Lawrence of NY Daily News claims that Nash has already made his decision:

"Steve Nash finally made it back to the Lakers and has told a few friends this is going to be it, even though he has one season to go on his contract, at $9.7 million. Nash, who turned 40 Friday, doesn't expect to help much, but that's been the story of his injury-plagued Laker career. He really missed the camaraderie with his teammates when he was out for three months with a nerve injury in his back, and says he wants to experience that for at least the last part of this season before he calls it a career."

There was a condition there that would remain unfulfilled if he does not return this season.  But he will not end his career on a high note even if he does. The Lakers are injury-plagued, and most people believe they are tanking. They will not make the playoffs, there is hardly any camaraderie or competitiveness. Kobe Bryant is probably out for the season and Pau Gasol is just playing for a new contract.

From a Grantland special series on Nash, the former MVP has given an ultimatum: "If the Lakers release me this summer this is it. You know, I finally got my kids here in L.A., I'm not going to move them again, and I'm not going to be without them for another year. So, it's either back with the Lakers next year or I'm done."

It's sad to see Steve Nash, 2 time MVP, having his name etched on the infamous list of great players that never won a title but that's the way it has to be.