Struggling for form already to start the season, the Los Angeles Lakers will be missing Steve Nash because of the same injury he suffered last season. The 39-year-old Nash experienced back pains in the first quarter of their game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves last Saturday.

“I hesitate to even talk about it now because it's probably not a good time. I'm a little emotional. It's hard. I really want to play and I really want to play the way I am accustomed to playing,” said a visibly frustrated Nash to espn.com after the loss to the Wolves.

He did not return to the floor and visited a back specialist Monday for evaluation.

Nash also missed considerable time in his first year with the Lakers last season being out off commission in 32 games. Through six games in the 2013-14 regular season, Nash has had atrocious averages of 6.7 points per game and 4.8 assists per game -- his lowest since his rookie year in 1996.

The other veteran in the team, Pau Gasol is concerned with Nash’s health and the team’s direction as well.

“We have to figure out our identity and how we play and be consistent with it,” said the 33-year-old center from Spain to nbclosangeles.com. “You can’t second guess yourself. You got to make up your mind now and go with the thing that’s best.”

The news out of the Lakers practice Monday wasn’t positive.

“Same as last night, it’s slowly getting worse and worse,” said Nash. “A little bit of rest might help. I need to rehab, work through it.”

Nash is turning 40 in February and retirement rumors are abound online but no official statement has been released by Nash or the Lakers.

The Lakers are already missing the services of superstar Kobe Bryant, who is not expected to return anytime soon.

Now without both Nash and Bryant, the Lakers will rely on the likes of Steve Blake, Nick Young, Xavier Henry and Jodie Meeks to run the backcourt.

The Lakers were pegged to be one of the worst teams in the West this season. Currently at 3-5, that observation could happen sooner than expected as injuries continue to pile up in Los Angeles.