Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni has admitted that he will have to "take care" of point guard Steve Nash this season.

Having played only 52 minutes in total so far in pre-season, the 39-year-old is likely to miss playing time all season.

"I'm not concerned," D'Antoni said, according to ESPN. "I think this will happen off and on all year, but he's going to give you a good season and good stuff. We have to take care of him."

Nash, who is the league's oldest player this season and turns 40 in February, is averaging just 1.3 points and 4.3 assists in 17.3 minutes after three games.