Lakers' Steve Blake to miss minimum of six weeks with torn elbow ligament

Steve Blake had been holding down the point guard position admirably for the Lakers. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) As if it weren't challenge enough

Steve Blake had been holding down the point guard position admirably for the Lakers. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

As if it weren't challenge enough incorporating a high-usage superstar back into the offense on his way back from serious injury, the entirety of the Lakers' point guard rotation is now sidelined with ailments of their own. According to a release from the team, Steve Blake -- Los Angeles' starter and primary playmaker in the absence of Steve Nash and Jordan Farmar -- is set to miss the next six weeks at the least with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Blake suffered the injury in a game against the Wizards more than two weeks ago, but had been playing through the pain of what was originally diagnosed as a hyperextended elbow. The tear was only discovered upon further examination and an MRI.

At Lakers practice on Thursday, Blake reacted to the news of the injury's severity and his upcoming absence (via @LakersTV):

Kobe Bryant

Pau Gasol

Jodie Meeks

Jordan Hill

Robert Sacre