So few NBA franchises enjoy the cohesive relationship shared between ownership, the general manager and head coach as the Los Angeles Lakers do. Between the limitless funds and shrewd business practices of Hall of Famer Dr. Jerry Buss, the (dare I say it) Jerry West-esque eye for talent of Mitch Kupchak and the basketball wisdom of Phil Jackson, the Lake Show is filled will all-starts in all phases of basketball operations.
Look no further than the off-season acquisition of Steve Blake as the latest entry into Kupchak’s soon to be released book titled ” How to Win Titles and Influence NBA Trends”.
Blake is already getting rave reviews for his quick grasp of the triangle offense. And why not? The Miami native with the smooth handle and crisp jumper was born to play in Tex Winter’s gift to the game. More specifically, Blake is a perfect fit for Phil Jackson’s version of the triangle offense.
Jackson values guards with size and a high basketball IQ to run his offense. Blake gets a checkmark in both of those boxes. Blake’s championship pedigree is also an ideal addition to a team looking to add another parade to the L.A. City Planner’s to-do list next year. Having won titles at the high school and college level, Blake is looking to complete the trifecta.
Laker fans have always been aware of Blake. The combo guard dropped an Oscar Robertson on the Lakers as a member of the cross Staples rivals the Clipper last season. He’s also spent the better parts of four seasons as a member of the Portland Trailblazers too helping to add to that long drought between wins in Rip City.
Blake shoots just a shade under 40% for his career from beyond the arc. Perfect for those defenders who cheat off him to try and help double Kobe Bryant. He’s even got a nice touch from inside the arc as well making Blake a dangerous man in a system predicated on floor spacing. He might sport Jordan Farmar’s vacated number but at right around 3 to 1 assist to turnover, Blake plays nothing like the reckless Farmar.
Blake won’t be starting but he could see starter’s minutes behind Derek Fisher and his size makes Blake capable of playing both guard positions in the offense.
All in all, the Lakers might have made one of the better moves this off-season – talents taken to South Beach not withstanding. Now if only Blake can only help Ron Artest to get a better grasp on the triangle.