HoopsHype.com Rumors

Mike Trudell: Metta World Peace (knee), Steve Nash (back, etc), Jodie Meeks (ankle) and Steve Blake (hamstring) are all out for Game 4. Twitter @LakersReporter

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Injuries, Jodie Meeks, Metta World Peace 

Dave McMenamin: Stave Blake is out indefinitely with a strained hammy. Nash received two epidurals and a cortisone shot and is doubtful. Meeks also doubtful Twitter @mcten

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks 

The question is after this season that seemingly had more limps than layups and more tears than 3s, how much resolve do the Lakers have left in the tank? "No matter what happens, we're going to keep fighting," Blake said. "Whether I'm playing or I'm not playing, whoever steps into somebody else's role, we have confidence in them. They're going to go out there and do their job and we're going to fight to the end, that's for sure." ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake 

The Lakers are allowed to cut one of four players on their roster without paying luxury taxes on his salary. Bryant will make $30.5 million next season. The other eligible players are Pau Gasol ($19.3 million next season), Metta World Peace ($7.7 million) and Steve Blake ($4 million). Players can be amnestied only if they were on the roster dating back to July 2011. If the Lakers waived Bryant, they would save up to $80 million in luxury taxes but would still have to pay his salary. It's unlikely they would amnesty him because of the relatively short timetable for his return. If they did, teams under the salary cap this summer would submit undisclosed bids to the NBA office to claim Bryant. He would then belong to the team that bid the highest. The Lakers could then re-sign Bryant in July 2014, after his current contract expired. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Steve Blake, Salary Cap, Metta World Peace, Amnesty 

In a recent Journal Times’ survey of 35 NBA players and advance scouts, Bryant was their overwhelming choice as the “NBA’s Most Competitive’’ player. Among those casting votes for Bryant were two players who have witnessed his almost-demonic determination up close and personal: former teammate and current Charlotte guard Ramon Sessions and current teammate Steve Blake. “Just having played with Kobe, I have seen how extremely competitive he is,’’ Sessions said. “I think he’s in his 17th season now and he’s still got a will to win like nobody else. He’s all about winning. He’ll do everything in his power to win.’’ Racine Journal-Times

Charlotte Bobcats, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Steve Blake, Ramon Sessions 

The Lakers' 99-93 victory Friday over the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse featured all the elements that make teamwork tick. Dwight Howard overcame early foul trouble en route to 20 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. Metta World Peace both scored (19 points) and defended, holding David West to 4-of-13 shooting. Reserves Antawn Jamison (18 points) and Steve Blake (17 points) made big shot after big shot. Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni called it "a big win for us." Others took it a step further. "It was our best win of the season," World Peace said. Los Angeles Daily News

Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Mike D'Antoni, Dwight Howard, Steve Blake, Antawn Jamison, David West, Metta World Peace 

Sam Amico: Lakers willing to move Steve Blake or Chris Duhon for 2nd-rd pick, eyeing Pacers' DJ Augustin and Cavs' Daniel Gibson, source says. Twitter @SamAmicoFSO

Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Trade, Chris Duhon, Steve Blake, DJ Augustin, Daniel Gibson 

Adrian Wojnarowski: Lakers offering Steve Blake, Chris Duhon, Devin Ebanks, Darius Morris for 2nd-rounders, sources say. Looking to unload, free roster spots. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Los Angeles Lakers, Trade, Chris Duhon, Devin Ebanks, Steve Blake, Darius Morris 

Blake practiced again Monday and is set to play Tuesday against New Orleans for the first time since Game 7 of the regular season on Nov. 11. Blake underwent Dec. 5 surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle and will finally get his chance to play under Mike D’Antoni, who said he has tried to acquire Blake for the past “10 years” and is “looking forward to see what he can add.” Chris Duhon and Darius Morris haven’t given the Lakers much consistency in the guard rotation, and Jodie Meeks is trying to regain a significant role now. About Blake, D’Antoni summed matters up well by saying he believes Blake is a “better shooter than he’s shown in L.A. so far.” Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Steve Blake: The #RoadtoRecovery was long, but I'm back for the @Lakers Tuesday night. #GoLakers Twitter @SteveBlake5

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Dave McMenamin: Steve Blake will receive a cortisone shot in his groin Sunday, then be re-evaluated in a week to see how he responds Twitter @mcten

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Guard Steve Blake will have laproscopic surgery Wednesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle, the team announced Monday. He is expected to miss a minimum of six to eight weeks, pushing his comeback to sometime in February. “It’s a big concern for me,” Kobe Bryant said. “Steve and I have always played extremely well together. He’s a clutch shooter and a tough competitor. That’s one of the things I like about him, is his toughness. “We’re going to miss him a lot. I’m not sure he’s going to be out, but it could be a while. … Hopefully he can keep his head in it and come back ready to go.” Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Steve Blake, Injuries 

The Los Angeles Lakers' point guard woes just got worse. Lakers guard Steve Blake will undergo laparoscopic surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle and will miss at least 6-8 weeks, the team announced Monday. Blake was diagnosed with an abdominal strain on Nov. 12 and has missed the Lakers' past 10 games. Blake's extended absence leaves with no depth at point guard. USA Today

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Blake will undergo laparoscopic surgery Wednesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle, the team announced Monday. Blake is expected to miss a minimum of six to eight weeks following the surgery, which will be performed by Dr. Craig Smith. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Scott Howard-Cooper: Steve Blake will be out at least two more weeks because of the strained abdominal muscle, the Lakers announce. Twitter @SHowardCooper

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Mike Trudell: Neither Steve Blake (strained abdomen) or Steve Nash (leg) will play tomorrow vs. Indy. Neither practiced, both received treatment. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Kobe Bryant did not speak to reporters after practice Monday because Lakers point guard Steve Blake suffered an abdominal strain and could only get an appointment with an Orange County doctor in the early afternoon, so Bryant flew him there in his helicopter to avoid any irksome traffic on the 405. Given the events of the past 72 hours, this explanation sounded perfectly reasonable. SI.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Lakers guard Steve Blake underwent an ultrasound exam earlier today by Dr. Steven Yoon; results of the test showed a minor abdominal strain. Blake will not play in tomorrow night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs and his status beyond that will be day-to- day. NBA.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake, Injuries 

Steve Blake: Happy to welcome Mike D'Antoni to the @Lakers family, looking forward to the rest of the season #GoLakers Twitter @SteveBlake5

Los Angeles Lakers, Coaching, Mike D'Antoni, Steve Blake 

Now Steve Blake, who has started every game in Nash's absence, could miss time with a lower abdominal strain. Blake aggravated the injury early during the Lakers 103-90 win over the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center, and played just over two minutes in the third quarter before pain forced him to the bench. The Lakers said Blake will miss Monday's practice in El Segundo, Calif., then undergo an ultrasound Tuesday, after which he will be reevaluated. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Blake, Injuries