Steve Nash returns to active roster, will play Friday

Steve Nash, who previously was ruled out for the rest of the season because of nerve root irritation, will play Friday against the Washington Wizards.

"I'm excited," Nash said after shootaround Friday. "Unfortunately I don't really know where I am because I haven't really been up and down or played or scrimmaged in five weeks, but I've tried to keep myself afloat in case the opportunity came up."

The Lakers were down to one healthy point guard in Kendall Marshall after Jordan Farmar suffered a right groin strain at practice Monday that will keep him out a minimum of two weeks.