The LeBron James-led Lakers are heating up, finding their rhythm and stringing together some wins. It didn’t take long, and the team may elect to make splash before pursuing a big-name free agent (or two) next summer.
Given that the team currently sits in fifth place in the Western Conference standings, the Lakers may choose to make a move leading up to the trade deadline, and now they’re rumored to have interest in one of the biggest available names.
The Lakers are looking at pursuing Suns swingman Trevor Ariza, apparently.
Suns have heard from no less than 8 teams interested in acquiring Trevor Ariza. Lakers are one of those teams but there is nothing close at this time. Suns not interested in KCP and a bench player.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) December 10, 2018
This makes a ton of sense, as Ariza can shoot from the perimeter, and he can defend well on the wing. Both of those assets are what the Lakers are looking for, as James needs to be surrounded with shooters to stretch the floor. Furthermore, they’ve been looking to change their identity with hard-nosed, gritty defenders, and that’s exactly what Ariza is.
Ariza would be available for trade any time after Dec. 15, so this will be an interesting storyline to follow. He’s averaging 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists so far this season.
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