Steve Nash Benched for at Least 4 Weeks Due to Leg Injury?

Great news for the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz, but bad news for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lakers starting point guard Steve Nash is out for at least a week due to a non-displaced fracture in his left leg, but now sources are saying it might be longer. Much longer. 3 weeks longer.

The 38-year-old player, who totaled nine points and eight assists in the first two games, was told he'd miss at least three games of the regular season due to the injury. He already sat out last Friday night's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers (105-95.)

The Los Angeles Times now reports that a person familiar with the situation is saying he could be out for four weeks total. In general, a fracture takes about four weeks to heal, and they tend to take longer in weight-bearing bones like the legs.

The injury was first thought to be just a bruised shin, but an MRI revealed the injury was much worse. Nash obtained the fracture during the second quarter of last Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, which the Lakers also eventually loss (106-116).

Nash posted a picture of him soaking his leg on his Twitter under the caption "Hot and Cold," and was met with endearing "get well soon" messages from his fans.

Nash's injury does not come at a good time for the purple & gold. The Lakers have begun the 2012-2013 season with a 0-3 losing streak, and it's the first time they've lost three in a row at the beginning in 34 years. They haven't been 0-4 to start a season since 1957. Their fate will be tested at tonight's home game against the Pistons.

Steve Blake has been substituting for Nash in his absence. Here's to a speedy recovery!