Could Trevor Ariza Become A Cavalier?
Trevor Ariza’s short but sweet stay in Los Angeles might be coming to an end.
The 24-year-old swingman, who played a key role in the Lakers’ run to their 15th NBA championship, is on the verge of leaving the club, sources close to the situation said on Wednesday.
With at least five teams pursuing Ariza, the Lakers are currently unwilling to pay him more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception.
“They’re letting him go,” one of the sources said.
Cleveland is making a hard push for Ariza, and the Cavaliers’ coaching staff was speaking with him on Wednesday. While Cleveland can only offer the mid-level as well, Ariza’s disappointment with the Lakers’ stance has moved other suitors ahead of his current team.
The Rockets, Clippers, Raptors and Blazers are also showing interest in Ariza. Portland and Toronto could each offer more than the mid-level exception.
If the Lakers refuse to increase their offer, it’s a clear indication that they are choosing their other big free agent forward, Lamar Odom, over the younger Ariza.
Ariza averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in the regular season for the Lakers last season. He increased his scoring to 11.3 points and had 4.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He had 16 points and 15 points in the last two Lakers victories in the Finals.
Those numbers were a jump over his career averages of 6.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Ariza has played for three teams in his five-year career.
What do YOU think?! Share your thoughts in the comments section!
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Comments (9)
Ariza is now with the Rockets. Artest says he is going to sign with the Lakers.
I am a Spurs fan, and all I’ve got to say is uh oh!
My Boyz traded for Richard Jefferson, and have noiw been trumped by the Lakers. They need to give Duncan some help on the frontline. Can you say Rasheed Wallace?
Ron Artest is about to sign a deal with the lakers. So Ariza is gone, but i don’t think he will go to the cavs, he will stay in la, just will be playing for the Clippers i believe. lakers will resign Odom though
man niggas acting like he is the glue n s**t…if he leaves they either bring someone in or … it is a such thing aas player development..
I know its a business but Trevor has way more upside than Odom. In the long run they will wish they kept him. While Odom is a crafty veteran his best days are behind him,while Trevor’s are in front of him.
The Lakers has not won 15 rings by making dumb business moves..Paying 6 mil for a player averageing 8 pts and 4 reb don’t make sense.I’d love to keep him but trust, if he leaves he will be replaced by someone just as good if not better….Ron Artest can u hear me!!
kobe should take a paycut for both of them to stay
WTF r dey doin? i would rather have Ariza than Odom.
keep Ariza and let Odom go, he is getting old, out of shape, and in two years he will be done for sure, Trevor looks like he has a promising future alongside Kobe and Gasol.
Im a big laker fan! and its sucks! that they letting him go!! Ariza should be a laker..