SACRAMENTO — In what he’s described as a “horrible 18 months for me,” Steve Nash offered no clarity on when that will all end.

The 39-year-old point guard revealed he had hoped earlier this week he would heal the nerve issues in back enough to return when the Lakers played Friday against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. But Nash said “calmer heads prevailed” and opted for a more conservative approach to ensure he wouldn’t “risk this kind of yo-yo season.”

The persisting nerve pain in Nash’s back prompted Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni to practice him this week for three consecutive days for only about 15 minutes each. Nash also sounds unsure whether he will play when the Lakers host the Toronto Raptors Sunday at Staples Center, let alone when he’ll increase his practice workload.

“I might not be able to play anymore,” Nash said. “I might have to yo-yo it. I might be able to play the rest of the way. Honestly right now, I’m trying to see if I can play the rest of the way.”

Nash missed a combined 32 games last season because of a fractured left leg and ensuring back and hamstring injuries. He spent all offseason healing his back and hamstring only to feel limited this season, averaging only 6.7 points on 26.1 percent shooting and 4.8 assists in 22.5 minutes through six contests. Nash worked last week with his personal trainer Rick Celebrini in Vancouver, but has still encountered obstacles.

“It’s a very slippery slope if I do have a setback,” Nash said. “But I have to dance with the devil at some point and get back out there. It’s kind of tricky.”

Upon reflection

The recent passing of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela affected Nash in a tangible way. He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa before his family moved to Canada when he was 18 months old. Nash attended the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in what marked his first visit to his native country, giving him a first-hand glimpse on how Mandela proved instrumental in ending the nation’s apartheid system of racial discrimination.

“It was a beautiful country and reflected the change he brought,” Nash told this newspaper. “He’s broken down so many barriers, not only for South Africa, but for people everywhere.”

“He’s passed away, but he will never die. He’s a pretty monumental spirit.”