With Jordan Farmar leaving for New Jersey, the Lakers needed an effective backup point guard who could operate the triangle offense. Steve Blake might go down as the best under-the-radar pickup this offseason.
A seasoned veteran, Blake can knock down open shots, hit the open man and play aggressive defense. I know it’s cliche, but the guy really is solid. Before the season, I thought Steve Blake would play big for us at some point in the season. Did I see him hitting a game-winning 3 opening night? Not exactly. But with him on the roster, the Lakers will essentially have a starting point guard on the floor at all times.
After factoring in the constant progression of Shannon Brown, Theo Ratliff’s defensive presence and the potential of the Lakers’ best rookie class in recent memory, the Lakers’ bench looks like it will no longer be the team’s weak link. When Andrew Bynum and his near double-double returns to the lineup, Lamar Odom will just be another bonus off that bench that’s already averaging 31 points a game.
Now we can watch all 48 minutes in relative peace.