Trevor Ariza was one of the key components to the Lakers championship run of 2009. Now there seems to be a possibility of a reunion between the two parties.
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According to CBS Sports’ Ken Berger, the Lakers are one of a number of teams pursuing Ariza this off-season:
The Mavs, Cavs, Lakers and Heat are pursuing Wizards free agent Trevor Ariza, league sources say. Ariza seeking deal starting at $9-$11m.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 7, 2014
The addition of Ariza would be a huge pickup for the Lakers. Defense was a huge issue for the team last season and Ariza would give the team a legitimate defensive stopper on the wing.
Of course, with the Lakers, everything is on hold until Carmelo Anthony makes his decision on where he will play next season. If he were to come to the Lakers, the team would be unable to give Ariza the amount of money he is asking for.
The Lakers will have some serious competition as the Cavaliers are building a good young roster, and continue to pursue LeBron James, while the Mavericks can offer a lot of money to Ariza as well.
The Washington Wizards are also very interested in bringing Ariza back as they feel they are very close to contention in the Eastern Conference after a solid playoff run last season.
The Lakers said they would go all-out in the off-season and that is exactly what they are doing. Even if they strike out on the big stars, they seem to have other plans to bring in some excellent players regardless.
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