Steve Nash doubtful for Lakers-Clippers game with bruise

• Lakers point guard Steve Nash doubtful for Friday vs. Clippers
• Nash bruised left leg in Wednesday's loss to Blazers
• Lakers off to 0-2 start, dealing with injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers already have lost two games. They may have lost their starting point guard for a third.

Steve Nash bruised his leg Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, and he will be listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Nash didn't practice Thursday, and news reporters said he walked with a limp.

"Luckily it's not any major structurally or something," the two-time MVP said, via Lakers.com. "It's just a contusion in that area.

"To take a knock like that, this time you want to be out there fighting and trying to scrape a win," he added. "It's frustrating, but sometimes you need to take a deep breath and think the big picture, and play with the hand you're dealt."

Nash was hurt in a collision with Blazers rookie Damian Lillard during the second quarter of a 116-106 loss. He tried to play to start the second half while wearing a protective yellow pad on his leg.

"By the time I got off the training table, there was almost no time on the clock to warm up, so I ran out there and took a couple shots," he said. "But I didn't have time to test it laterally, and as soon as I tried to make a lateral movement, it just gave out on me. I thought I was going to be able to finish the game, but it just wasn't ready last night."

Steve Blake will start at point guard for the Lakers if Nash sits.