Coach Mike D'Antoni said "we need [Steve Blake] on the floor, no matter what." The Lakers rotation is a mess thanks to injuries and a rag-tag group of D-League talent. But one constant for D'Antoni is Blake, whether it's at point guard or shooting guard. He's playing 32.2 minutes per game this season and topped out at a season-high 40 in Wednesday's weird win at Cleveland. Blake is an extremely safe start in all formats, especially in Friday night's dream matchup at Philadelphia.

Steve Blake was fantastic down the stretch against the Cavs during a 119-108 win, posting a triple-double with 11 points, 10 boards, 15 assists, three steals and two 3-pointers in 40 minutes. He hit a couple shots down the stretch to put the game away. Blake ran the offense from the wing and he's coming off a six-assist night on Tuesday. He had nine double-digit assist games in his last 13 games before missing time with an elbow injury back in December, so this isn't a shock. Obviously, Blake can't be on any wires after a night like this one.

Steve Blake returned from his elbow injury and failed to score in 32 minutes, but also had five rebounds, six assists and three steals in Tuesday's loss. He missed both of his shots, but also suffered a ruptured eardrum tonight. The good news is that he has been cleared to fly to Cleveland and was able to play through the injury.The weather in Cleveland is shaky and there are concerns about the Lakers being able to land at the airport tonight, but for now, Blake sounds like a go for Wednesday night against the Cavaliers. But with Steve Nash and Kendall Marshall healthy, and Jordan Farmar on his way back, Blake's going to have a tough time offering much consistency as Mike D'Antoni continue to mish-mash his lineup and rotation. On the other hand, Jodie Meeks (ankle) went down tonight and it doesn't sound like the Lakers plan on using Nash on Wednesday, which could mean another nice dose of minutes for Blake.

Steve Blake (elbow) will start against the Timberwolves on Tuesday. Blake has been out of the Lakers' lineup since December 10th with his elbow injury and will start alongside Steve Nash Tuesday night. Blake's assists totals will take a hit from earlier in the season, but he should be a good source of 3-pointers going forward. The interesting thing we'll be monitoring going forward is how Blake is able to co-exist in a crowded backcourt alongside Steve Nash, Jordan Farmar, and Kendall Marshall.

Steve Blake (elbow) is listed as probable to face the Wolves on Tuesday. He's not a lock to play, but he should be in the lineup for the first time since Dec. 10. Blake's range as a shooter should help him get some run at the shooting guard spot and he's worth a look for any owner seeking help in triples and assists. It's worth mentioning he was sporting a sleeve on his right elbow.

Steve Blake (elbow) went through a full practice on Sunday afternoon. "My arm is doing well, I felt good today in practice," Blake said. He's been able to take a lot of shots with his right arm, which was a problem even before he was ruled out back on Dec. 10. Blake was effective at point guard for going down and his 3-point range really helped open things up, so it's not a bad idea to pick him up for point guard-needy owners to see how it plays out.

Steve Blake (elbow) could play against the Wolves on Tuesday. He's back at practice and is shooting shots with his right hand. Blake was taking a noteworthy amount of shots with his left hand even before he started missing games back on Jan. 10, so it's certainly possible he'll be back next week. In his four games before injury, he averaged 9.5 points, 8.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 triples. Fantasy owners should likely take a wait-and-see approach.

The Lakers had Steve Blake (elbow) back as a full participant in Thursday's practice. He's been slowly ramping up his activity this week and it's conceivable that he'll return from a six-week absence vs. the Bobcats on Friday. His initial timetable ruled him out for a minimum of six weeks.

Steve Blake (elbow) was able to increase his work at practice on Monday. He was shooting with his right hand on Monday and looks like he's getting closer to a return. Blake was expected to miss a minimum of six weeks back on Dec. 12, but there is still no timetable for his return. He was playing extremely well before the injury and it's not a terrible idea to stash him in deeper formats.

Steve Blake (elbow) will be reevaluated February 1. Blake was spotted getting some 3-point shots up during Friday's morning shootaround, but that doesn't mean he's close to a return. The torn UCL in his right (shooting) elbow is going to need plenty of time to heal. Kendall Marshall will be the sixth point guard to start a game for the Lakers this season.