The Los Angeles Lakers' 2013-14 season officially ended Wednesday night when they shipped guard Steve Blake up the California coast.
ESPN.com reported that the Lakers sent Blake to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for guards Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks.
Blake said that he wasn't told about the trade when he first arrived at Staples Center or at the team shootaround that he was going to be traded, according to ESPN.com. Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni told him about 75 minutes before their game against Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets.
"Real mixed emotions," Blake told media after giving quick goodbyes to teammates, coaches and team personnel. "The hardest thing is for my family, really. I've got a wife and three little kids and now I'm going to have to spend four months probably away from them."
The 33-year-old Blake averaged 9.5 points and 7.6 assists for the Lakers in 2013-14, his fourth season with the team. His salary this season is $4 million, and he'll become a free agent after the season.
He said he definitely would consider returning to the Lakers next season.
"Absolutely. I've loved my time here," he said. "When you spend someplace this long, you start to get comfortable and we loved where we lived and loved the schools my kids were in, always loved the support of the fans and ownership.
"This is one of the best places I've ever played at and in the future if they wanted me back, I absolutely, definitely would consider it."
Both the 24-year-old Bazemore, who averages 2.3 points per game, and the 25-year-old Brooks (2.6 points per game) will be free agents in July as well.
Blake will back up All-Star point guard Stephen Curry and shooting guard Klay Thompson. The Warriors are looking to bolster their lineup as they make a push toward the playoffs.
ESPN.com added that the Lakers may also move Jordan Hill before today's trade deadline. The Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks have expressed interest.
The Lakers are 18-36 after their blowout loss to the Rockets on Wednesday. They are trying to make one last push toward contention for an NBA title with aging and injured Kobe Bryant.
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