The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have all the right players for another NBA title campaign which starts on Dec. 22. However, this does not mean that the purple and gold will no longer explore trades.
One scenario could see the return of an old face – Trevor Ariza. Currently the record holder as the NBA player who has been frequently traded, the 35-year-old could be on the move again soon.
As of this writing, the 6-foot-8 swingman has already been traded three times in a span of a week. Another deal could ensue although it may take time.
For now, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Ariza will be starting the season in a Thunder uniform. Aside from Ariza, Charania adds that another player the Lakers are keeping tabs with is George Hill.
The Lakers could bring back a familiar face in Trevor Ariza pic.twitter.com/ooefPZpe6x — LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) December 10, 2020
Ariza finished the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was first traded to the Houston Rockets as part of the Robert Covington trade. After some days, he would be sent to the Detroit Pistons for Christian Wood. The last transaction saw him sent to OKC in a three-team trade that also involved the Dallas Mavericks.
The native from Miami, Florida would be a useful addition to head coach Frank Vogel who could use someone who can play on both ends of the floor. That assignment was given to Danny Green last season. Ironically, Green was first sent to OKC for Dennis Schroder before ending up with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Though the Lakers took in Wes Matthews to fill up that role, Ariza could be added insurance. He was part of the 2009 team that won the NBA title, playing alongside the likes of the late Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom.
With the Blazers last season, Ariza played in 53 games averaging 8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 33.4 minutes of action. He was clearly a defensive anchor and such is something the Lakers would need in their title-retention campaign.
With the deep roster of talent that the Lakers have, Ariza can provide the maturity that Vogel would need on the team. Together with Jared Dudley, the two could be the vocal leaders, especially in the locker room.
Any deal for Ariza and/or Hill may happen but likely once the season starts. The only question now though is how will the Lakers add them to the mix. Quin Cook took up the last roster spot although that is not guaranteed for training camp.
