Responding to a heckling fan during a game is a sign of the ultimate frustration, and unfortunately for Steve Blake, that’s exactly what the Lakers point guard did at the end of the Clippers game Friday night. The fan must have said some pretty nasty words himself, because according to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times, the fan and his father made an appearance at the Lakers practice facility Tuesday to apologize to Blake.
Why would both the fan and his father make a practice appearance? Well, the fan who was the subject of Blake’s frustrations, happened to be Lance Jackson, the son of L.A. Gear chairman Steve Jackson. The Jacksons (court-side seat holders for many years) have had a strong relationship with the team and are known to have a replica Staples Center basketball court in their home gym.
As expected, Blake was extremely apologetic of the situation, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“I just let them know I was sorry for the way I acted.”
With 29.2 seconds left in last Friday night’s game, Blake actually stormed over to the court-side fan where he clearly uttered obscenities. This was immediately after the point guard fouled out of play. The NBA fined Blake $25,000 for his actions, and according to Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News, wasn’t too happy with the fine.
“I’m not happy with it, but I understand they have to do what they have to do.”
After an impressive start in place of Steve Nash in Sunday night’s win against the Detroit Pistons, it’s obvious that Blake will be a huge piece to the puzzle in Wednesday night’s match-up against the Utah Jazz.
In his last game, Blake contributed six assists, but his presence was most felt on the defensive end where he tied his career high, five steals. After practice yesterday, Blake talked to LakersNation.com about his new defensive mentality.
“The last two games I just decided that I’d probably start picking up the ball full-court, try to put a little more pressure on them…make them have to think a little bit more before they got into the offense, maybe start the offense a little higher than they’d like, and just be active.”
Check out the incident that led to Blake’s $25,000 fine below.
Serena Winters was a former reporter for LakersNation.com who also oversaw the video team. You can now find her on NBC Sports Northwest as host of The Bridge. But really, she's probably more known for bringing snacks with her wherever she goes. UCSB alum, Muay Thai lover, foodie (all of it). Email: serenawintersinfo@gmail.com
What do you think is the most important factor for the Lakers' success with Doncic next season?
Los Angeles Lakers(96) - Minnesota Timberwolves(103)