December 1, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Nick Young (0) celebrates after point guard Steve Blake (5) scores a three point basket to end the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
While basketball is a business first and foremost, it’s never easy to see a teammate go. When that teammate is someone as trusted and admired as Steve Blake, it makes it even tougher. Blake was dealt to the Golden State Warriors just hours before the team tipped-off against the Houston Rockets. Whether or not his abrupt departure effected the team or not, many Lakers turned to Twitter after the game to wish Blake the best.
Tough to see a great player, friend and professional get traded tonight. My best wishes @SteveBlake5 , the Warriors are lucky to have you.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) February 20, 2014
D'Antoni on Blake: "He was a joy to coach ... one or the toughest guys I've ever coached ... and he's good. Any team's (lucky to have him)."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 20, 2014
Ryan Kelly on Lakers front office moves: "that’s their job to know what they’re doing, it’s our job to play basketball.”
— Bill Oram (@billoram) February 20, 2014