Steve Nash injures ankle in Lakers practice

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash rolled his left ankle in practice on Saturday, but expects to return within the next few days, the team confirmed on Saturday afternoon.

Nash injured his ankle early in the practice session, after stepping on the foot of teammate Julius Randle. He missed the remainder of the day's session.

"It was a conditioning drill at the start of practice. I just stepped on somebody's foot and rolled it," said Nash.

"The calf tightened up, but I feel actually fine right now... I'll probably just come back tomorrow."

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Nash, a 40-year-old with 18 years in the league, played just 15 games last season due to nerve issues in his back. In the past he has suffered from hamstring and knee issues, as well.

He has previously said that avoiding small injuries was key to staving off the return of his nerve problems.

In his last two season, both with Los Angeles, he has played in 65 games, averaging 9.8 points, 6.2 assists and 44 percent shooting from the field in 26.7 minutes per game.

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The Lakers finished last season 27-55, failing to make the playoffs.

They will play their first exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets in San Diego on Monday night, before opening their season at home against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 28.

- Christopher Woody