Blake agrees to join Lakers

Guard Steve Blake and the Lakers agreed today on a four-season contract worth $16 million, either providing the team with a capable backup for Derek Fisher or a replacement if they can’t work out a new contract. Blake split last season with the Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 7.3 points and 4.8 assists. Funny story: his sister, Debbie, is a producer on a sports talk show in Portland, Ore. She broke the news. The Lakers can’t sign Blake until next Thursday. New teammate Ron Artest reacted in typical fashion via Twitter, “Welcome Steve Blake! He’s super dope!!!”