Steve Nash's return to the Los Angeles Lakers has been delayed due to nerve irritation in his lower left leg, according to sources.

Nash seemed to be ready to come back from a non-displaced fractured left fibula three to four weeks ago, but he suffered the nerve irritation during rehabilitation, sources said.

Nash has been caused pain any time he applies pressure on the nerve, which is steadily improving.

Nash, who has missed 19 of the Lakers' 21 games, is expected to return before the end of this month, sources said.