Laker's Steve Nash out for season with back injury

LOS ANGELES -- Lakers guard Steve Nash has been ruled out for the season with a back injury, putting the two-time NBA MVP's career in doubt.

The Lakers and Nash announced their joint decision yesterday, less than a week before the start of what would have been the 40-year-old Nash's 19th NBA season. He played in only 15 games last season with nerve root irritation but hoped for a comeback season after several months of rehabilitation. -- AP