Los Angeles Lakers: Impact of Steve Blake’s Return

At this point in the season, the Los Angeles Lakers could use all the help they can get. They will get a nice boost off the bench tonight with the return of Steve Blake (per ESPN), who has been sidelined with an abdomen injury since early November. Blake will likely be the first guard off the bench to sub in for Steve Nash.

The backup point guard play for the Lakers has been inconsistent all season. Chris Duhon and Darius Morris have both seen time at the point, but neither has been able to provide a steady contribution off the bench. 

Blake has had experience starting for the Lakers, as well as coming off the bench. His scoring ability isn't great, but he will knock down open shots. With Kobe Bryant's newfound passing game, he will likely get open looks off double teams of both Bryant and Dwight Howard. 

Blake also does a great job of not turning the ball over. He averages only 1.4 turnovers per game for his career, and has had three seasons where he averaged less than one turnover. Going into tonight's game with the Hornets, the Lakers are averaging nearly 16 turnovers. Consequently, Blake's ability to not turn the ball over should be a good sign for Laker fans.

Blake is also a favorite of coach Mike D'Antoni. D'Antoni had this to say about Blake earlier this week:

"I've always tried to get him the last 10 years so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can add."

Although you shouldn't expect Blake to come back and fix all of the Laker's problems, he should bring a spark off the bench that the Lakers have lacked most of the season. 

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