The Lakers were looking for a new point guard, one who could knock down the three, play a little defense, and just be smart.
They have found their man in Steve Blake.
John Canzano of the Oregonian was first in reporting that Steve Blake had agreed a four-year deal with the Lakers (any deal cannot be signed until July 8). Other reports have confirmed it as four years at $4 million a year. Blake was one of the first people the Lakers reached out to this free agent period.
The Lakers three point guard from the last two seasons -- Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown -- all became free agents this summer. The Lakers were looking to bring in someone new.
Blake -- who played his games last year at Staples for the Los Angeles Clippers -- is a good fit as a triangle point guard. He shot 43 percent from three last year and isn’t a point guard who needs to have the ball in his hands. In fact, you don’t want it in his hands a lot as he can turn the ball over a lot. But Blake is a system guy who tends to make good decisions with the ball. He’s also not a great defender, but is better than Fisher at this point.
The Lakers and Fisher are far apart on a deal right now, and if Blake is in the fold the Lakers are less likely to up their offer. He has reportedly started talking to the Heat and Cavaliers.
