Report: Steve Nash to return to Lakers on Friday night

Steve Nash last played on Feb. 11 against the Jazz. (Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash will return to the team's lineup on Friday night to play against the Washington Wizards, Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday, citing league sources.

Nash has been out since Feb. 11 with lingering nerve root irritation in his back and hamstrings. Until recently, the Lakers had projected he would be out for the rest of the season. L.A. head coach Mike D'Antoni changed course this week, saying Nash could return depending on his performance in practices.

“It’s still a possibility," D'Antoni said. "We have to see where he is physically. … We’ll have to see some practices and see how it goes.”

Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers plan on using Nash as a backup to starting point guard Kendall Marshall.

In just 10 games this season, the eight-time All-Star is averaging 7.6 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 36 percent from the field. Nash, the oldest active player in the league, is also shooting just  31% from three-point range. He is making $9.3 million this season and is scheduled to make $9.7 million next year. Recently, when he was asked if he was contemplating retirement, he said that wasn't a reality because he "wants the money."

The Lakers have the second-worst record in the Western Conference.

MAHONEY: What's behind the Knicks' seven-game winning streak >