Steve Blake to the Lakers.

[dajadeed]

Signed for 3 or 4 years. :applause:

[StacksOnDeck]

kristen blake kristenblake2

Yes he is. RT @HMack3: @kristenblake2 tell me Steve is a laker!!!!

His wife confirmed it

[oh the horror]

Steve Black huh?

[Captain Kirk]

It's probably just me and my odd self, but I have this thing about sources and such...I like them.

Edit: I guess that's a source.

[RoseCity07]

Damn bruh, his name is Steve Blake.

[dajadeed]

My bad on the last name snafu.

[Allstar24]

Is this real?

[Da Ballahollic]

Steve Black huh?
:oldlol:

[Posterize246]

http://olympia.fortunecity.com/cobb/17/wwf/steveblackman1.jpg

?

[K.Koscik]

Assuming he means Steve Blake.


I actually googled Steve Black like who the hell are we getting?


Can anyone tell me something about Steve Blake? quick search on stats tells me he's a good 3 point shooter and seemingly a decent playmaker.

[oh the horror]

If this is indeed the case, this is an EXCELLENT signing for LA.


I guess Mike Miller is out the window?

[thejumpa]

Ugh.....I was hoping someone snagged him before LA made a pitch. Solid signing though. I watched him play a bunch in Portland and went to a few Clipper games. Definitely underrated.

[chazzy]

I just heard it on 710 Mason/Ireland show too.. sounds pretty legit

Mike would've been really nice, but this addresses a more pressing PG issue who can also hit 3s

[PistolPete]

Don't care one bit about the Lakers, but for you Laker blowhards, does this mean no Fisher or Farmar next season?

[wang4three]

Is he related to Jack Black?

[OneMoreSucka]

So what happens to Farmar now?

[Pokerface]

Blake is a fundamentally sound PG with good shooting range. He played well when he was with the Nuggets. I still don't understand why they let him go.

[G-Funk]

blake>>>>>>>farmar or brown that's all u need to know

[InsideGame]

I really wanted Mike Miller, can someone tell me if it's still possible to sign him? I'm not quite sure how the salary caps or any of that works.

Thanks!

[chazzy]

So what happens to Farmar now?

He's long gone, been talking about starting next year and flat out said he wants to leave

[chazzy]

I really wanted Mike Miller, can someone tell me if it's still possible to sign him? I'm not quite sure how the salary caps or any of that works.

Thanks!

No more room, the only way it would happen is through a sign&trade

What if we did a sign/trade with Farmar and Blake?? That would leave us with the MLE to spend still... (crossing fingers)

[BALLin01]

Will he start over Fisher?

[Skywalker]

when I entered this thread, this music came on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9EbowRed78)

[oh the horror]

If this signing if true, Farmar is more than gone. Farmar was gone anyway, and I do not believe LA has any real interest in keeping him either.


Blake is leaps and bounds better anyway. A smarter player in general.

[dirkdiggler41]

I think he is a good fit for the Lakers. A 6.3 pointguard who shoots 3 pointers and can also play ball. How would you guys rate his defense?

[Killer_Instinct]

Good move.



Don't care one bit about the Lakers, but for you Laker blowhards, does this mean no Fisher or Farmar next season?


This signing gives the team three points. I'm sure Farmar is moving. Whether or not Derek starts, he's ending his career as a Laker.

[RazorBaLade]

Why do people think we can't get both Miller and Blake?

[LA_Showtime]

Wow; great signing! I guess this means that we're not going after Mike Miller anymore, unless the Wizards want Vujacic, Walton, Farmar, or Brown in a sign and trade.

[VishaltotheG]

Do the Lakers even have a weakness anymore? Now their bench has Fisher Brown Odom which is adequate. How the f*ck can anyone beat them without teaming up the Free Agents 3?

[konex]

Good. This dramatically improves the PG play and shooting with one player. That is the way it should be done :applause:

[G-Funk]

They are for sure going after t-mac or raja ebll for the vets min.

[LA_Showtime]

Do the Lakers even have a weakness anymore? Now their bench has Fisher Brown Odom which is adequate. How the f*ck can anyone beat them without teaming up the Free Agents 3?

Well, Kobe and Gasol are getting older.

[RoseCity07]

Blake is a much smarter player than Fisher and will get the ball to Kobe with the game on the line. He is a good 3 point and free throw shooter. He doesn't do anything flashy and he'll make the smart play in crunch time.

As a Blazer fan, I don't really like him signing with LA. But Andre Miller was all around much better.

[flipogb]

Blake is a much smarter player than Fisher and will get the ball to Kobe. He is a good 3 point shooter and free throw shooter. He doesn't do anything flash, but he'll make the smart play.

As a Blazer fan, I don't really like him signing with LA. But Andre Miller was all around much better.
Andre is definitely a better player, but both guys fit well with the teams they are now on.

I got a question about Blake, can he throw lobs better than Fisher?
Fisher sucks at it and thats unfortunate cuz it works very well for Bynum

[StacksOnDeck]

Great signing. Dude is a smart tough player. LA still has about 2.5 mill left from their MLE. They could go after T-Mac if he's serious about winning.

[RazorBaLade]

I think it looks like we'll get Tmac

[G-Funk]

I really wanted Mike Miller, can someone tell me if it's still possible to sign him? I'm not quite sure how the salary caps or any of that works.

Thanks!


teams over the cap are allowed to spend 5 mill its called mid level exception(MLE) and are also allowed to spend 2 mill apart it's called vets min. They spent their MLE on blake and can still spend 2 mill on a player who wants to win now and doesnt care much about money ala raja or tmac

[ZenMaster]

BOOM! Championship signing right there baby!

Mitch once again proves himself as one of the best! Given the circumstances this is probably the best deal LA could get for a point guard who fits perfectly. Fish gets one more year of the bench and it's all good.

Add Bell or McGrady and you get the best 8 man rotation in the league

Blake/Fisher
Kobe/Bell
Ron/Bell/Kobe
Pau/Lamar
Bynum/Pau/Lamar

Even better if they keep Brown but that's looking doubtful. Walton/Sasha as your 9th and 10th guys and the two rookies and maybe Crittenton back, overall that's just one hell of a roster!

[LA_Showtime]

BOOM! Championship signing right there baby!

Mitch once again proves himself as one of the best! Given the circumstances this is probably the best deal LA could get for a point guard who fits perfectly. Fish gets one more year of the bench and it's all good.

There's always a "WTF" moment with the Lakers. We haven't seen it yet. Hell, everyone on ISH knew Steve Blake would be a perfect fit in LA.

[game3524]

Good move, if you can't get Kirk, then Blake was the best option.

[game3524]

Blake is a much smarter player than Fisher and will get the ball to Kobe with the game on the line. He is a good 3 point and free throw shooter. He doesn't do anything flashy and he'll make the smart play in crunch time.

As a Blazer fan, I don't really like him signing with LA. But Andre Miller was all around much better.

Talent wise yes, but Blake was a better fit with Roy.

[RoseCity07]

Andre is definitely a better player, but both guys fit well with the teams they are now on.

I got a question about Blake, can he throw lobs better than Fisher?
Fisher sucks at it and thats unfortunate cuz it works very well for Bynum

No, Blake isn't really known for lob passes, and Fisher is probably better at it.

This is the only pass I remember Blake making to Oden on a lob.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqz67alqsMo

Kind of similar to a play I've seen Fisher throw to Bynum. But this play is risky by Blake standards.

[LA_Showtime]

Can Steve Blake pass into the post, hit layups, and play defense?

[chazzy]

$16M/4yrs. Nice deal

[game3524]

Can Steve Blake pass into the post, hit layups, and play defense?

Defense may be a problem, because he isn't quick, but he is smart and can hit open shots and layups.

[LA_Showtime]

$16M/4yrs. Nice deal

That's what we said about Vujacic, Walton, etc... :oldlol:

[InsideGame]

That's what we said about Vujacic, Walton, etc... :oldlol:

but they were not vets when we signed them

[Reverend Hoops]

And upgrade in the regular season. A downgrade to Fisher in the playoffs.

[chazzy]

That's what we said about Vujacic, Walton, etc... :oldlol:

:oldlol: True, but at least it isn't the full MLE for 5 years

[KNOW1EDGE]

Hes a perfect fit for the Lakers. And a HUGE up-grade at back up pg over Jordan Farmar. Hope he can win a championship he deserves one

[ZenMaster]

There's always a "WTF" moment with the Lakers. We haven't seen it yet. Hell, everyone on ISH knew Steve Blake would be a perfect fit in LA.

Point is, for all the LeBron/Wade/Bosh/Amare talk this signing is the real championship signing. This put the Lakers in contention for 3-4 years, the core is locked up.

[LA_Showtime]

Point is, for all the LeBron/Wade/Bosh/Amare talk this signing is the real championship signing. This put the Lakers in contention for 3-4 years, the core is locked up.

3-4 years? That has yet to be known.

Depends on the following:

- New coach

- How Kobe and Gasol age

- If Bynum can stay healthy

[LA_Showtime]

For the love of God, change the damn title.

[Bigsmoke]

how many white players does the Lakers have now?

[Killer_Instinct]

After further investigation he should defintley be an upgrade over Farmar. Not athletic, but liked others have stated, smart and a good shooter. Going to be interesting to see if he starts or Fisher keeps the role. Good to add a shooter, also. Overall, I'm




http://i48.tinypic.com/wimzpd.jpg

[LA_Showtime]

how many white players does the Lakers have now?

Blake, Walton, Vujacic, Gasol.

[Al Thornton]

Andre is definitely a better player, but both guys fit well with the teams they are now on.

I got a question about Blake, can he throw lobs better than Fisher?
Fisher sucks at it and thats unfortunate cuz it works very well for Bynum

bynum will be happy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T19h64Bzp1A

[Bigsmoke]

Blake, Walton, Vujacic, Gasol.

adam morrison is what?

[chazzy]

adam morrison is what?

is off the books.

[KenneBell]

Overall, I'm
http://i48.tinypic.com/wimzpd.jpg
You too? I was doing it like this...

http://i43.tinypic.com/etyy2p.jpg

[flipogb]

And upgrade in the regular season. A downgrade to Fisher in the playoffs.
fine by me , Fisher is too old to get LA through a regular season while playing so many minutes but hel be a finisher in the playoffs

[ShoeGuy]

I liked Mike Miller to LA better. But I guess he was too expensive. I didn't like Blake on Portland. I'm guessing the Lakers needed a sound 3 pt shooting PG at a cheap price. He will be defensive liability though.

[Bigsmoke]

whats taking the Lakers so long to grab mike miller?

take him before someone else does. I think i read somewhere that he would take the paycut to play for the Lakers somewhere.


arent Gasol and Mike Miller friends

[StacksOnDeck]

I liked Mike Miller to LA better. But I guess he was too expensive. I didn't like Blake on Portland. I'm guessing the Lakers needed a sound 3 pt shooting PG at a cheap price. He will be defensive liability though.

We had Fisher and Farmar the past two seasons. We are used to defensive liabilities but now we actually have a PG that has a brain and actually passes first. No disrespect to Fisher. A lot of disrespect to Farmar though. I'm Diddy boppin too at the thought of Farmar never coming back.

[flipogb]

I think it looks like we'll get Tmac
I hope so

[Al Thornton]

He will be defensive liability though.

huh? they did fine with fisher, i dont see how blake could be any worse.

[ShoeGuy]

We had Fisher and Farmar the past two seasons. We are used to defensive liabilities but now we actually have a PG that has a brain and actually passes first. No disrespect to Fisher. A lot of disrespect to Farmar though. I'm Diddy boppin too at the thought of Farmar never coming back.

I sure hope so. I have this dirty feeling that Blake will be too much like Walton/Vujacic. I hope I'm wrong.

[ShoeGuy]

huh? they did fine with fisher, i dont see how blake could be any worse.

Blake is much skinnier, if not as slow as Fisher

[G-train]

Yeah Blake is a solid PG overall, good at everything but not great at anything.

However this is LA. He is really really really boring to watch. Really boring. His shot is ugly and disjointed and awkward. He is not a handsome man.

So its a bad signing.

jk

[G-Funk]

I sure hope so. I have this dirty feeling that Blake will be too much like Walton/Vujacic. I hope I'm wrong.

walton, sasha, radman were signed based on potential. Blake blake will sign cause he's solid proven player.

[G-Funk]

Yeah Blake is a solid PG overall, good at everything but not great at anything.

However this is LA. He is really really really boring to watch. Really boring. His shot is ugly and disjointed and awkward. He is not a handsome man.

So its a bad signing.

jk


boring who gives a hell if he's boring? as long as Lakers get the ring and his shot could be akward looking(2 u) but that thing goes in at a pretty good % and only a girl would care about looks.

[Hiei]

Blake is as good of a PG as Lakers could get for this money. An excellent passer and almost 44% FG from 3 to end last season. His numbers should easily go up with the Lakers starter line up, depending on how much he gets the ball he should average around 13/8 in 30 MPG.

[Kujo]

Well, he's definitely an upgrade over Jordan Farmar, and it will probably start, assuming D-Fish doesn't re-sign.

Just another reason to hate the Lakers. :D

[nevetslc88]

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/kobeowen132/blakelakers.jpg

[BallPhunk]

Mike Millers shooting would have been worth paying double what Blake is getting and will give them. Bad move unless they knew they couldn't get Miller.

[game3524]

Blake is as good of a PG as Lakers could get for this money. An excellent passer and almost 44% FG from 3 to end last season. His numbers should easily go up with the Lakers starter line up, depending on how much he gets the ball he should average around 13/8 in 30 MPG.

No, he won't. He won't have the ball in his hands that much to get 8 assist. he is a good fit because he can knock down open shots.

[LA_Showtime]

Blake is as good of a PG as Lakers could get for this money. An excellent passer and almost 44% FG from 3 to end last season. His numbers should easily go up with the Lakers starter line up, depending on how much he gets the ball he should average around 13/8 in 30 MPG.

8 assists? No.

[G-Funk]

Blake is a pass-first point guard with a decent three-point touch, a 30-year-old veteran. He averaged 6.8 points and 6.1 assists in 29 games with the Clippers while shooting a commendable 43.7% from three-point range.

[StacksOnDeck]

Mike Millers shooting would have been worth paying double what Blake is getting and will give them. Bad move unless they knew they couldn't get Miller.

Riiight.

:rolleyes:

In Denial

[G-Funk]

Mike Millers shooting would have been worth paying double what Blake is getting and will give them. Bad move unless they knew they couldn't get Miller.


Lakers can still offer Raja bell the vets min.

[Clifton]

However this is LA. He is really really really boring to watch. Really boring. His shot is ugly and disjointed and awkward. He is not a handsome man.

So its a bad signing.
Ugly? Did you watch game 7? Have you ever seen Ron Artest play?

This Lakers team is kind of ugly. It's also the best team in the league. They're favorites next year no matter where Lebron and Wade go. They just added a guy who couldn't fit into their scheme better. They could use a higher-caliber player, sure. Billups. But as it happens, Blake is an adequate defender, smart player, won't eat up many FGA and never keeps the ball in his hands too long. He's perfect. He'll shoot 85% from the line and 40% from 3.

[RazorBaLade]

We don't even need Raja we need someone like McGrady who on a good day can win a game for us or really contribute and be that 3rd scorer we miss every now and then.

[G-Funk]

We don't even need Raja we need someone like McGrady who on a good day can win a game for us or really contribute and be that 3rd scorer we miss every now and then.
I woulnt oppose to T-mac but Raja will be a way better fit for the Lakers. he brings defense and a dremendous 3 pt threat.

[BallPhunk]

Riiight.

:rolleyes:

In Denial


What the F are you talking about? The Lakers lack a deadly outside and 3pt shooter, which is what Miller is. Having a slight upgrade from Farmar/Brown (which is what Blake is) isn't going to help them that much. A decent pickup, but they would have been much better to get Miller.

[Hiei]

No, he won't. He won't have the ball in his hands that much to get 8 assist. he is a good fit because he can knock down open shots.

If he spends a lot of time with Kobe on the floor he wont, but I would think that he will be the one making plays whenever Kobe is on the bench. Last few years we had Farmar or Walton do it, and most of the time they would just throw up a hopeless 3. Blake avaraged over 6 assists in just over 25 MPG with the awful Clippers squad, I really doubt he wont be able to increase that with Lakers front court making easy shots.

[chazzy]

What the F are you talking about? The Lakers lack a deadly outside and 3pt shooter, which is what Miller is. Having a slight upgrade from Farmar/Brown (which is what Blake is) isn't going to help them that much. A decent pickup, but they would have been much better to get Miller.

Blake brings 3pt shooting as well, not on Miller's level, but still pretty good.

[Bodhi]

What the F are you talking about? The Lakers lack a deadly outside and 3pt shooter, which is what Miller is. Having a slight upgrade from Farmar/Brown (which is what Blake is) isn't going to help them that much. A decent pickup, but they would have been much better to get Miller.

Steve Blake is a career 40% 3 point shooter, he doesn't use a lot of possessions, and he rarely turns the ball over. That's exactly what the Lakers need. His defense might be a little suspect, but he can't be worse than what we have.

Miller is the better player, but he's probably getting paid elsewhere and Blake fills a bigger need.

[konex]

What the F are you talking about? The Lakers lack a deadly outside and 3pt shooter, which is what Miller is. Having a slight upgrade from Farmar/Brown (which is what Blake is) isn't going to help them that much. A decent pickup, but they would have been much better to get Miller.

Lakers just won the ring with no reliable outside shooter. Blake brings outside shooting and now Kobe doesn't have to chase PGs around. That is MUCH better than paying Miller the full MLE to be a backup and still having a gaping hole at the point...

[StacksOnDeck]

What the F are you talking about? The Lakers lack a deadly outside and 3pt shooter, which is what Miller is. Having a slight upgrade from Farmar/Brown (which is what Blake is) isn't going to help them that much. A decent pickup, but they would have been much better to get Miller.

What don't you understand? Miller was given a deadline and he passed it with no answer. Lakers ORG does not wait on people so they moved on to the next one. :oldlol: @ this fool thinking he's smarter than Mitch who just built a back to back championship team. PG was the weakest position and now it just got better. Why spend 30 million on a backup SF when you can pay a lot less for a player that will eventually start.

[Hiei]

What the F are you talking about? The Lakers lack a deadly outside and 3pt shooter, which is what Miller is. Having a slight upgrade from Farmar/Brown (which is what Blake is) isn't going to help them that much. A decent pickup, but they would have been much better to get Miller.

Since we lose Farmar either way signing Miller would cause more issues at the PG spot than we have already. Fisher isn't going to play more than 20-25 mins a game, so we would not have a true PG for most of the game. Lakers line up is already biggest in the league, having Kobe play at PG and Miller at SG for long periods wouldn't be real ideal.

[KOBE24isdabest]

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/kobeowen132/blakelakers.jpg

thanks for quoting my shop

[Babalu]

Lakers sign Steve Blake for 4yr/16mil

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/2098/happydancet.gif

[jaydacris]

i think this is a good signing
steve's last game was a triple double! ;)

[ashlar]

Can a mod fix the thread title? Its getting really annoying.

[gts]

/
Lakers just won the ring with no reliable outside shooter. Blake brings outside shooting and now Kobe doesn't have to chase PGs around. That is MUCH better than paying Miller the full MLE to be a backup and still having a gaping hole at the point...
blake is not that quick and he lacks the muscles/strength of fisher.. kobe will probably be guading more pg's now if blake is a starter, which i doubt..
a good signing but lets not be deluded about it.. blake has strengths and weaknesses just like anyone...

[konex]

/
blake is not that quick and he lacks the muscles/strength of fisher.. kobe will probably be guading more pg's now if blake is a starter, which i doubt..
a good signing but lets not be deluded about it.. blake has strengths and weaknesses just like anyone...

Blake is 10x better than Fisher and he will be starting for sure. He was the best Blazer's defender on Kobe for a few years so I don't worry about his strength...

[JustinJDW]

Excellent signing by the Lakers. Excellent. Steve Blake is a legit PG. A good upgrade over Farmar. I actually want Fisher to stay with the Lakers though. I can't believe that the Lakers and the Laker fans don't want to pay Fisher the money that he clearly deserves.

Without Fisher, the Lakers wouldn't have these last two Championships.
when I entered this thread, this music came on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9EbowRed78)Haha, Steve Blackman was the shit back in the day.

[jaydacris]

black > blake

lets hope it truly is steve black and not steve blake
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/blackfalcons_getty438.jpg

[gts]

Blake is 10x better than Fisher and he will be starting for sure. He was the best Blazer's defender on Kobe for a few years so I don't worry about his strength...
if fish comes back he'll start....

i know you hate fish with every fiber on your body but the fact is phil is coming back for "one last stand" he loves fish because of, well because of what everyone but you seem to realize he brings to the floor...

phil is not coming back for his final hurrah and turning over the keys to a guy who has never played one second in the system... blake may get some starts throughout the season but fisher will be the starter, blake is being brought in to add punch to the bench....

[Hiei]

if fish comes back he'll start....

i know you hate fish with every fiber on your body but the fact is phil is coming back for "one last stand" he loves fish because of, well because of what everyone but you seem to realize he brings to the floor...

phil is not coming back for his final hurrah and turning over the keys to a guy who has never played one second in the system... blake may get some starts throughout the season but fisher will be the starter, blake is being brought in to add punch to the bench....

It makes no sense to start Fisher in the regular season. All of the past season his minutes have been extremely limited anyway to keep him in shape for the playoffs. Just because he comes off the bench doesn't mean he has a smaller role.

[konex]

I don't hate Fish but Lakers sure aren't negotiating with him like he's gonna be their starter next year. Hell, I almost want him to leave so Phil doesn't start him because of loyalty. He's been DONE as a starter for 2 years..

[DKLaker]

Blake is 10x better than Fisher and he will be starting for sure. He was the best Blazer's defender on Kobe for a few years so I don't worry about his strength...

:applause: :oldlol: :applause:

The OBVIOUS is that the Lakers are giving Blake 4 million per year.......SO
Does anyone REALLY think that DFish is being offered 2.5 million to be the starter??? That would be the biggest slap in his face since UTAH!!!!!
It's like .....Hey, you do the work but we're going to pay this guy over here.
Less money, lesser role.....not always true but in this case YES.
Blake didn't come here to be a sub.

[DwightHowardMVP]

if fish comes back he'll start....

i know you hate fish with every fiber on your body but the fact is phil is coming back for "one last stand" he loves fish because of, well because of what everyone but you seem to realize he brings to the floor...

phil is not coming back for his final hurrah and turning over the keys to a guy who has never played one second in the system... blake may get some starts throughout the season but fisher will be the starter, blake is being brought in to add punch to the bench....
Fish might start for th first 10-15 games.

But Steve Blake will be the starting point guard for the rest of the season. And is fisher does somehow start it will just be a respect thing and he will still only play 20 minutes a game with blake getting 30+

[Thom.Yorke]

all we need is fish for the playoffs.. pay fish 4 mil

[OneMoreSucka]

Steve Black

[ginobli2311]

the lakers continue to make the best moves in the league. blake is exactly what they need. he's a very good defender and a great 3 point shooter. have fun leaving him open in the corner.....have to give props to the lakers here. if they get fisher back and add raja bell its all over for the rest of the nba next year.

part of me wants to see it too. a great end to phil jackson's career with his 4th 3 peat.....legendary.

[Rambis]

3-4 years? That has yet to be known.

Depends on the following:

- New coach

- How Kobe and Gasol age

- If Bynum can stay healthy

Phil's back. Kobe and Gasol should only be better with time healing wounds from overplaying for their respective national teams. Bynum "staying" healthy would actually be a kinda new thing. Team won without him, can probably still do so.

]
adam morrison is what?

No longer part of the team.

[konex]

all we need is fish for the playoffs.. pay fish 4 mil

I hope you mean that as 4 mil for 2 years cos there is no way Lakers will offer him the same thing they offered Blake...

[Reverend Hoops]

the lakers continue to make the best moves in the league. blake is exactly what they need. he's a very good defender and a great 3 point shooter.

WAT

[YAWN]

welcome kristen black.

im not vey familiar with blake cept hating him in portland

[G-train]

I would have thought they could phase Farmar into the starter and have fish back him up. Just for team chemistry.

[ginobli2311]

WAT

he is dude. he's a good defender at the pg position. i think he's 6'3...he has good length and he's tough. he's not the best defender in the league or anything.....but he's going to help and not hurt you on defense. he's very smart and is a solid team defender that knows what to do and where to go on defense. his size alone will cause problems. so the lakers can throw out blake /kobe / artest / gasol / bynum....with odom off the bench. look at that size. the smallest player is 6'3.

its a great signing for the lakers.

[Rambis]

I actually think of Steve Blake as a younger Derek Fisher. Not an all-star by any means, but a cheap, serviceable starter with some smarts and shooting ability.

HOWEVER, you can never try to reproduce Fisher's clutch. I think Blake might be a great replacement for Fish, learning from him this season and picking up the triangle and tricks of the trade from a master.

Blake seems to try on defense, that's about all you can say about him. Taller and longer than fisher, but not currently as savvy and no where near as strong. Perhaps he can give the Lakers what they've gotten from Fish in the past.

[YAWN]

I would have thought they could phase Farmar into the starter and have fish back him up. Just for team chemistry.
farmar is not a good fit with this team. he wants to be on a team that will let him be more involved on offense.

[Reverend Hoops]

he is dude. he's a good defender at the pg position. i think he's 6'3...he has good length and he's tough. he's not the best defender in the league or anything.....but he's going to help and not hurt you on defense. he's very smart and is a solid team defender that knows what to do and where to go on defense. his size alone will cause problems. so the lakers can throw out blake /kobe / artest / gasol / bynum....with odom off the bench. look at that size. the smallest player is 6'3.

its a great signing for the lakers.

I put him up there with Fish. Though I like Fish better defensively. Blake will get torched by athletic guards like Fish does though.

[ginobli2311]

I actually think of Steve Blake as a younger Derek Fisher. Not an all-star by any means, but a cheap, serviceable starter with some smarts and shooting ability.

HOWEVER, you can never try to reproduce Fisher's clutch. I think Blake might be a great replacement for Fish, learning from him this season and picking up the triangle and tricks of the trade from a master.

Blake seems to try on defense, that's about all you can say about him. Taller and longer than fisher, but not currently as savvy and no where near as strong. Perhaps he can give the Lakers what they've gotten from Fish in the past.

yea. good post. i just don't see how this lakers team can lose if they bring back fisher (which they will). if they add another bench player like raja bell its just crazy how good they will be. to much size at every position. the best coach ever. a top 3 player in kobe and a top 10 player in gasol.

wow......could be an all-time great team if they focus night in night out.

[ginobli2311]

I put him up there with Fish. Though I like Fish better defensively. Blake will get torched by athletic guards like Fish does though.

fish is a solid defender. i like blake a little more at this point because of his size and age. i actually don't think blake will get torched like fish does by the athletic guards. no doubt blake will struggle....but his added length and younger legs will be fine.

its a great signing and a perfect fit for him.

[Allstar24]

What a surprise...people (not Laker fans) are overrating Blake already before he even gets here...since when is he known as a very good defender? What a joke. The usual suspects trying to overrate Kobe's supporting cast to make it seem like he has the greatest supporting cast of all time or something...how desperate :oldlol:

[konex]

fish is a solid defender. i like blake a little more at this point because of his size and age. i actually don't think blake will get torched like fish does by the athletic guards. no doubt blake will struggle....but his added length and younger legs will be fine.

its a great signing and a perfect fit for him.

The biggest difference is that Blake must be defended as well. He isn't just camping at the 3pt line like Fish and he is a better play-maker. People are underestimating just how different this Lakers team will be from anything we've seen recently with a PG who can create for himself AND others. Fish does neither at this stage of his career..

[gts]

I hope you mean that as 4 mil for 2 years cos there is no way Lakers will offer him the same thing they offered Blake...lakers only want to sign fish for one year because he's 36 this season, if they sign him for 2-3 years those salaries get stuck onto this years cap space...

[konex]

Couldn't they make it a team option for the 2nd year? Just to save face or something and he'd just retire or take a buyout next season..

[dirkdiggler41]

The biggest difference is that Blake must be defended as well. He isn't just camping at the 3pt line like Fish and he is a better play-maker. People are underestimating just how different this Lakers team will be from anything we've seen recently with a PG who can create for himself AND others. Fish does neither at this stage of his career..

The thing is that Blake wont have a chanse to create his own shot on a constant basis. His job is to handle the point and space the floor. There is no real reason to make him do more then that, just becaus he will spend most of his time guarding some of the best pointguards in the league. Lets not forget that this era we are going into might be the best small guard era we have seen in the NBA.

[konex]

He doesn't need to do it constantly. He just has to be a threat. Lakers biggest issue is that no one but Kobe can do anything off the dribble in the halfcourt. Blake is instantly the 2nd best penetrator on the team and he's not that good :roll:

[gts]

Couldn't they make it a team option for the 2nd year? Just to save face or something and he'd just retire or take a buyout next season..
no that's exactly why the over 36 rule was put in place to stop teams from giving players multi year contracts when they know the player will be retiring soon, then pay him off early.. teams were doing this so they could lower the salary counting against the cap and still give the player a big payday in his final year...

[dynasty1978]

Love the pick up. AB and Pau will love having a guy that can make a post entry pass (Farmar, Brown and even Dfish can't for sh*t). We get a reliable spot-up shooter, solid D (from what i recall in his blazer days), and some toughness.

Does Fish still play hardball and ask for $5 mill? Still want him on this squad for the intangibles and down-the-stretch play.

[konex]

no that's exactly why the over 36 rule was put in place to stop teams from giving players multi year contracts when they know the player will be retiring soon, then pay him off early.. teams were doing this so they could lower the salary counting against the cap and still give the player a big payday in his final year...

Is it possible to offer him a 1 year deal?

[Grinder]

Great pickup for the Lakers, I don't think this was a surprise. He fits the system perfectly and is most definitely a better player than Fisher at this point.

http://i45.tinypic.com/eg9pu.png

Lakers fans blowing up Google. :oldlol:

[bagelred]

This was an easy one to call.


Check.



"Always bet on Black."

"Uh....it's Blake."

"Whatever........"

[G-train]

Dudes, he is an AVERAGE SOLID player - nothing more. Some posters are getting tight pants.
I put to you that Anthony Johnson is almost as good as Blake.

[ginobli2311]

Dudes, he is an AVERAGE SOLID player - nothing more. Some posters are getting tight pants.
I put to you that Anthony Johnson is almost as good as Blake.

its not so much about blake as it is about the fit. the lakers needed a younger pg with size that can drill threes and has a high basketball IQ. Blake is perfect for them and will flourish in that system on both ends of the court.

[Rambis]

its not so much about blake as it is about the fit. the lakers needed a younger pg with size that can drill threes and has a high basketball IQ. Blake is perfect for them and will flourish in that system on both ends of the court.

I'm not entirely sure about his BBall IQ, but I remember liking him on that Maryland squad and wondering if he'd have the quickness to succeed in the NBA. I'm not saying he's a great defender either, just someone with some tools who tries...

Can't see how you can say this is a bad signing, unless you really thought Miller or a comparable player was gonna sign the full MLE. If we get say, TMac and Raja Bell with the rest of the MLE and then the veteran's exception, then that would be terrific. As it stands, I'm pretty happy. I even like our rookies.

[west]

Steve Black.:lol

[chazzy]

If we get say, TMac and Raja Bell with the rest of the MLE and then the veteran's exception, then that would be terrific. As it stands, I'm pretty happy. I even like our rookies.

Yeah, we still need to get a backup 2/3 and a veteran big for the minimum. I wouldn't mind T-mac and Kurt Thomas or something

[Swaggin916]

Dudes, he is an AVERAGE SOLID player - nothing more. Some posters are getting tight pants.
I put to you that Anthony Johnson is almost as good as Blake.

OMG you have to be kidding me... Way to compare him to an old ass man who can't play D or do anything really.

This is a GREAT pickup for the Lakers. What was the Lakers biggest weakness last year and throughout the playoffs? 3 point shooting. This guy is one of the best 3 point shooters in the league bar none... career 40% and lately (last 3 years) has been shooting around 42%. This guy is a great system player and is going to run the offense and play within himself... no more Farmar to make a bunch of bonehead plays.. but also no flashes of brilliance either. Blake is just a solid contributor that is only going to help your team offensively and defensively.

[HylianNightmare]

they aren't getting steve blake and mike miller are they?

[Swaggin916]

fish is a solid defender. i like blake a little more at this point because of his size and age. i actually don't think blake will get torched like fish does by the athletic guards. no doubt blake will struggle....but his added length and younger legs will be fine.

its a great signing and a perfect fit for him.


Yea and everyone is going to have some struggles with guys like CP3 and Deron Williams... but Blake is going to better job than Fisher or Farmar ever could.

[chazzy]

they aren't getting steve blake and mike miller are they?

No, unless they pull off a miraculous S&T

[Swaggin916]

they aren't getting steve blake and mike miller are they?

Nah unless Miller wants to basically play for free (He is a 6 million per year player at least... more like 7-7.5). This allows the Lakers to sign some other guys tho so I really like this move... either way i would have been happy.

[macpierce]

miller is injury prone, I would of liked the signing but 5 years for a 30 year old injury prone player is risky, especially when u already have artest and luke(when he comes back)..........lakers have some money left for raja bell lol, i doubt tmac would sign for that low

[scm5]

miller is injury prone, I would of liked the signing but 5 years for a 30 year old injury prone player is risky, especially when u already have artest and luke(when he comes back)..........lakers have some money left for raja bell lol, i doubt tmac would sign for that low

I'm hoping that he might. He's made so much during his career, just sitting on the bench.

$160 million in career earnings so far. That's JUST his salary. Who knows how much he made in endorsements. In contrast, Kobe has made $171million in his career off his salary.

Seriously.... he can afford to sign for $2m less than he'd get somewhere else.

Get him out of the first round and some rings on his fingers.

[The Choken One]

TMac....please be the final piece!

[AirJordan&Magic]

This is a blockbuster signing! The Lakers only weakness was lack of 3pt shooting/ smart decision making/ & defense at the pg position.

Signing Steve Blake has answered the problem.

Is there any team that can beat a healthy Lakers team in a 7 game series?

[The Choken One]

This is a blockbuster signing! The Lakers only weakness was lack of 3pt shooting/ smart decision making/ & defense at the pg position.

Signing Steve Blake has answered the problem.

Is there any team that can beat a healthy Lakers team in a 7 game series?

Possibly Team Diva...other then that. Hell nahhhhhh.

But uhh, if TMac signs also, no way can they lose.

[MAC system]

What a surprise...people (not Laker fans) are overrating Blake already before he even gets here...since when is he known as a very good defender? What a joke. The usual suspects trying to overrate Kobe's supporting cast to make it seem like he has the greatest supporting cast of all time or something...how desperate :oldlol:

Ugh. You are by far the worst non troll Laker poster on here. Stop thinking Kobe first, Lakers second. Blake is a good player and a perfect fit for the Lakers. It is definitely a nice upgrade for the Lakers, and shows why the Lakers organization is the best around. The Lakers are stacked right now, and be happy you are a "fan" of them.

[MAC system]

But uhh, if TMac signs also, no way can they lose.

http://www.memedepot.com/uploads/0/207_not_sure_if_serious.jpg

[The Choken One]

http://www.memedepot.com/uploads/0/207_not_sure_if_serious.jpg

Haha...no I wasn't. I'm just a very big TMac fan, and would love for him to be playing in LA. ;)

[MAC system]

Haha...no I wasn't. I'm just a very big TMac fan, and would love for him to be playing in LA. ;)
Ya, I feel that. I used to love watching Tmac play, just no way he can be productive anymore. It would be just like throwing money away.

[brandonislegend]

What a surprise...people (not Laker fans) are overrating Blake already before he even gets here...since when is he known as a very good defender? What a joke. The usual suspects trying to overrate Kobe's supporting cast to make it seem like he has the greatest supporting cast of all time or something...how desperate :oldlol:

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[LA_Showtime]

I would still like to add Mike Miller, but that's not realistic anymore. However, the Lakers should definitely target Brad Miller. He would be perfect in the triangle offense and he could spell Bynum and Gasol.

[macpierce]

I would pass on brad miller as long as the lakers have odom, miller is old, cant jump, cant run, can occasionally knock down a jumpshot, isnt really a physical player either(do the lakers need more of those)?

[macpierce]

derek fisher would be stupid to leave, so does this mean shannon brown is gone??? the lakers would use his athleticism....which is something they do lack

[oh the horror]

Good solid signing for LA. Blake is a PG that wont disrupt what you have going on your team...He'll add to it. Hes a pretty good passer, and decent shooter, which should make him fit in nicely in the triangle. He also seems like a smart kid.



Its not a mega deal, but rather a minor tweak that LA could use, which will improve an already championship caliber team. People act like we need some big acquisition to make things work...This kid is perfect for what LA does.

[Go Getter]

Nice pickup...I like Blake and have seen him play live a few times.

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

do the Lakers have any more money for FAs?
I don't believe they have bird rights on Shannon Brown, so he may be SOL.

[gts]

do the Lakers have any more money for FAs?
I don't believe they have bird rights on Shannon Brown, so he may be SOL.
1.8 or so left over on the MLE and the usual pocket full of vets minimums

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

1.8 or so left over on the MLE and the usual pocket full of vets minimums

only one vets min, right?
wonder if Shannon Brown is willing to take the pay cut? doubt it.

[gts]

only one vets min, right?
wonder if Shannon Brown is willing to take the pay cut? doubt it.teams get as many vets mins as they want...

shhhh don't tell sterling though, we all know how that will end up....

btw i call it the vets min, but it's actually the minumum players exception

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

teams get as many vets mins as they want...

shhhh don't tell sterling though, we all know how that will end up....

seriously?
so that's how Miami was going to be able to fill out their roster if they signed all 3 superstars?

[jbot]

Assuming he means Steve Blake.


I actually googled Steve Black like who the hell are we getting?


Can anyone tell me something about Steve Blake? quick search on stats tells me he's a good 3 point shooter and seemingly a decent playmaker.
geezus...did u just start watching the NBA or what?

i like Blake and hope he gets plenty of PT.

[brooks_thompson]

seriously?
so that's how Miami was going to be able to fill out their roster if they signed all 3 superstars?

no, there's the d-league. not every veteran is going to be dying to take the minimum just to have a chance at a championship

[gts]

seriously?
so that's how Miami was going to be able to fill out their roster if they signed all 3 superstars?
you bet...

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

no, there's the d-league. not every veteran is going to be dying to take the minimum just to have a chance at a championship

I wasn't saying that they would all be aging vets. but rather, where do they get the money to fill out their roster if they are maxed out and only had a MLE and one vets minimum (which I now know is not the case).

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

you bet...

normally, I would call BS, but since I know you, all I can say is...
"learn something new every day."

OK, so now I gotta hope Raja Bell will take the vet minimum.
... and we still need a backup center.

[scm5]

I just thought of something.

The Wizards need someone like LO.

What if the Lakers offered them LO for Mike Miller + Yi Jianlian Sign and Trade.

[All Net]

Perfect fir for this Laker team. PG is an issue and having a guy who can hit threes, defend, attack and run the point is perfect. L.A needs a guy like that. A star isn't whats needed.

[YouGotServed]

Steve Blake is a below average defense because he is slow, so the defense at the PG spot is still somewhat questionable. If Brooks had his way with him, imagine guys like Parker, Westbrook, Nash, Deron, Chris, etc.

[Pinkhearts]

I think you guys can stop worrying about the 3 point shooting now.

Blake is no Mike Miller, but he is a good 3 point shooter. Much bigger threat than Fish for sure.

Artest will almost certainly get better. He wasn't used to being left open and becoming a spot up shooter before, but he should be used to it by now. He has shown that he can hit his open shots in the last few games of the Finals. It's not like he can't shoot or can't make layups naturally, it's just a mental block. Now that he has a season to get over his mental block, and he will almost be certainly be working on his open shots over the summer, he'll be back as a shooting threat.

And you guys still have to remember that Sasha is still on the bench. He gets tons of hate but he can hit his open 3s when he gets the chance.

If Raja bell or Mcgrady is added then there will be more shooting available. You can still sign a shooting specialist for 2 mil. Or trade Sasha's 5mil expiring for a shooting specialist signed to a huge long term contract.

[magic chiongson]

Steve Blake is a below average defense because he is slow, so the defense at the PG spot is still somewhat questionable. If Brooks had his way with him, imagine guys like Parker, Westbrook, Nash, Deron, Chris, etc.


the lakers still won despite those guys guys torching us :)

[Batz]

I just thought of something.

The Wizards need someone like LO.

What if the Lakers offered them LO for Mike Miller + Yi Jianlian Sign and Trade.
I expect Mitch Kuptchak to be found dead under a bridge if that happens.

[G-Funk]

This sigining can look a lot better if Lakers sign Raja bell and a decent center. after that Lakers will have zero weakness. They are covered in every area

Inside game(Gasol/Bynum
Interior 'D' presence(Bynum)
Run Fast(LO in, Bynum Out)
Half Court Game(Starters)
Hit 3's(Raja&Blake)
Great Bench(LO,Raja,Blake)
Clutchness(Fisher+Kobe)
Defenders(Kobe,Raja,Artest,Odom)
Finisher(Kobe)
Leadership(Kobe,Phil,Fish)
Heart&Soul(Fisher+LO)
Experience(3times 2 Finals)
Coaching(Phil)
Top 3 player All-time(Kobe[possibly])
Versatility
Hunger(Phils & Kobes Desire to be Great)
Play Against Zone D(Raja+Blake = Zone Busters)

[konex]

I just thought of something.

The Wizards need someone like LO.

What if the Lakers offered them LO for Mike Miller + Yi Jianlian Sign and Trade.

Lakers have 3 bigs. Andrew, Pau and LO. They need one more big guy and you're talking about trading LO for crap :banghead:

[zizozain]

Great pickup for the Lakers, I don't think this was a surprise. He fits the system perfectly and is most definitely a better player than Fisher at this point.

http://i45.tinypic.com/eg9pu.png

Lakers fans blowing up Google. :oldlol:

not only Lakers fans blowing up Google
insecure Lakers haters doing the same thing :confusedshrug:

[LakersLaLaLand]

Lakers have 3 bigs. Andrew, Pau and LO. They need one more big guy and you're talking about trading LO for crap :banghead:

Bynum could keel over at any time. Lamar isn't going anywhere. Lamar has come up BIG at various times in the last 3 seasons. Instant impact starter during Bynums annual injury stint.

If Kupchak did this...it would cement him into...in the David Kaaaaaaahn Hall Of Shame GM's. Although I do give Kupchak credit for bringing in Steve Blake.

[LakersLaLaLand]

I expect Mitch Kuptchak to be found dead under a bridge if that happens.

Dead and my hands covered in blood under a bridge in the LA River.

[LakersLaLaLand]

I think you guys can stop worrying about the 3 point shooting now.

Blake is no Mike Miller, but he is a good 3 point shooter. Much bigger threat than Fish for sure.

Artest will almost certainly get better. He wasn't used to being left open and becoming a spot up shooter before, but he should be used to it by now. He has shown that he can hit his open shots in the last few games of the Finals. It's not like he can't shoot or can't make layups naturally, it's just a mental block. Now that he has a season to get over his mental block, and he will almost be certainly be working on his open shots over the summer, he'll be back as a shooting threat.

And you guys still have to remember that Sasha is still on the bench. He gets tons of hate but he can hit his open 3s when he gets the chance.

If Raja bell or Mcgrady is added then there will be more shooting available. You can still sign a shooting specialist for 2 mil. Or trade Sasha's 5mil expiring for a shooting specialist signed to a huge long term contract.

Everything else is cool except the bolded part. And the Mcgrady part. No thanks.

Sasha regressed horribly last season. 25 makes on 81 attempts 30% for the season is wack. The guy sucks. Which is why no team is willing to trade for him and his 5M. Truthfully his expiring contract is where his value lies. Not his lack of talents. He is a walking EXPIRER.

[ManuGinobili]

is manu the best ever?

[LakersLaLaLand]

is manu the best ever?

:no: your mom is a close second.

Clearly a troll or ish shrill. Exploiting Manu's great name and reputation on ish.

Least you could do is a get a better avatar. Instead of picking the 1st one you found on google images. update: i just looked it up...my bad...the pic is the 2nd image on google. my apologies.

Weak.

[ManuGinobili]

:no: your mom is a close second.
is manu the best ever?:confusedshrug:

[OG LeeTSkeeT]

Resign fish with rest of mle? i'm noob at being a delusional gm but i would sign raja bell first with the vets minimum before tmac. and resign a vet big like kurt thomas, jermaine oneal if hes willing to sacrafice for the vets min and a chance for a ship, kwame brwon, juwan howard, rasho, or joe smith. bring on javaris onto the team to replace shannon if he leaves, caracter if he develops well..and ebanks if he also develops well and hopefully he can gaurd the elite point gaurds to give a rest to kobe.

[RazorBaLade]

Resign fish with rest of mle? i'm noob at being a delusional gm but i would sign raja bell first with the vets minimum before tmac. and resign a vet big like kurt thomas, jermaine oneal if hes willing to sacrafice for the vets min and a chance for a ship, kwame brwon, juwan howard, rasho, or joe smith. bring on javaris onto the team to replace shannon if he leaves, caracter if he develops well..and ebanks if he also develops well and hopefully he can gaurd the elite point gaurds to give a rest to kobe.

wow really? REALLY?

[LA_Showtime]

I hope the Lakers at least inquire about the following players:

Tracy McGrady, Brad Miller, Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Miller, Shaq

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

I hope the Lakers at least inquire about the following players:

Tracy McGrady, Brad Miller, Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Miller, Shaq

take FAT shaq of that list and i m good

[LA_Showtime]

take FAT shaq of that list and i m good

Yeah, it's definitely not going to happen. :oldlol: Oh well

[alanLA92]

This is a great move by the lakers good backup that can split the mins with derek fisher

LAL can still get raja bell or tmac as long as they want to win unless we get some cap space which I HIGHLY doubt it

[LA_Showtime]

Whoops! I totally forgot to include Tony Allen. Put him, Kobe, and Artest on the wings and they quickly become unstoppable. Then again, Artest and Allen as are "zone busters" is a scary thought. Kwame Brown would also be interesting.

[Rambis]

I am happy with this move. Someone was saying that Miller never got the offer from Kupchak but I don't believe it.

I honestly don't think any of those guys will be Lakers, Showtime, but I agree it could be good for the team.

I see Raja Bell happening for some reason. Perhaps because Kobe is gathering guys he found difficult/annoying to play against. Raja qualifies.

Trust in Mitch.:rockon:

[tontoz]

Very good pickup for the Lakers.

[Lakers13]

I hope the Lakers at least inquire about the following players:

Tracy McGrady, Brad Miller, Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Miller, Shaq


All those guys are not going to come for the veterans minimum or 1.8 left
overs from the MLE. Maybe Brad Miller.

I think if we can sign Bell or Matt Barnes, who is apparently interested in LA according to Mycal Thompson, then we could have a very solid 2nd unit.

[OG LeeTSkeeT]

damn ron artest vs. kobe in the playoffs, raja bell vs. kobe with the clothesline, and now matt barnes vs. kobe with the ball fake to kobe to try and make him flinch. are they going to look at chris childs next?

[Lakers13]

damn ron artest vs. kobe in the playoffs, raja bell vs. kobe with the clothesline, and now matt barnes vs. kobe with the ball fake to kobe to try and make him flinch. are they going to look at chris childs next?


Is he still in the league? :oldlol:

[G-train]

interesting

[Myth]

Yay! Blake's choking abilities rubbed off on the Lakers!

[LA_Showtime]

Yay! Blake's choking abilities rubbed off on the Lakers!

What, has he always been like this? I just thought he was playing poorly.

[dr8ked]

What, has he always been like this? I just thought he was playing poorly.
apparently your scouts didnt do a good job.

[LA_Showtime]

apparently your scouts didnt do a good job.

I wanted him to run the offense, shoot the ball, and try and play defense. For the most part, he's been an upgrade, so no, they did do a good job.

[d.bball.guy]

interesting
Awesome bump!:lol

[Myth]

What, has he always been like this? I just thought he was playing poorly.

Blake is a decent enough PG most of the time (which is enough to trick you into thinking things will be just fine), but he becomes a liability in the final minute of games and for most of the minutes played in very important games. As a Blazer fan (and somebody who roots strongly against the Lakers), I was in disbelief and anger that Blake hit a game winner in the Lakers first game of the season. Luckily for me, it seemed to be a fluke.