Los Angeles Lakers' Trevor Ariza Headed To Cleveland Cavaliers?

The Los Angeles Lakers had little time to celebrate their 2009 championship. They are now faced with the task of resigning key free agents Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza... by Elijah Manders 30 reads Breaking News The Los Angeles Lakers had little time to celebrate their 2009 championship.

[Glen and Ruth]

IF they get rid of Ariza, they can forget the championship. I can't believe they would let him go. He's the fastest on the team, and he adds so much. Let Odom, Benja, and Walton go.....I can't believe it!!! They have rocks in their heads if they let him go. I thought he really wanted to stay, so WHY can't the Lakers make room for him. Let those who have done NOTHING leave...like Vujacic...And Odom isn't that important.

[Glen and Ruth]

It blows my mind that the Lakers, if they had a choice, would keep Odom instead of Ariza. That is unbelievable.....Maybe Kobe would take less, so Ariza could have more...I'm confused!!

[Jas]

Odom is by far a more talented player than Ariza. If Ariza stays, I will be happy but if he goes thats fine as well.

[PROVIDENCE_84]

OMG i cant see how they could let him Go...

[TMD]

PROVIDENCE_84 wrote:

OMG i cant see how they could let him Go...

Trevor Ariza - 24yo - 6'8" 220lbs - 5 yrs exp
8.9 ppg, 1.8 apg, 4.3 rpg
No Awards

Ron Artest - 29yo - 6"7" 260lbs - 10yrs exp
16.1 ppg, 3.2 apg, 5.1 rpg
4x NBA All-Defensive Team
2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
2004 NBA All-Star

The Lakers let Ariza go because they picked up Artest who is faster and a more complete player. Aside form the statistics I listed above, Artest shoots a higher percentage of threes. There is also no drop-off in production for Artest from the regular season to the playoffs.

When Artest keeps his emotions in check he is one of the 10 best players in the entire league. Ariza doesn't add that dimension to any team.

[MISTERY MAN]

BOTH ODOM AND ARIZA ONLY HAVE WON ONE RING TO ASK FOR MORE MONEY!!!!!!! WHO CARES ABOUT THE MONEY WHEN YOU KNOW THE TEAM YOU PLAY IN IS A CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER TEAM. FIRST YOU HAVE TO PAY YOUR DUES AND ONE CHAMPIONSHIP DOESNT CUT IT FOR ME FOR THEM TO CRY ABOUT MONEY. IF ANYTHING THE LAKER WON AND THESE TWO PLAYERS ARE GOING TO FIND OUT QUICK WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT. I RATHER WIN AND AND HAVE LESS THAN TO LOSE AND HAVE MORE MONEY! THINK ABOUT IT, ALL THEY WANT IS MORE MONEY FOR ONE RING THEY HAVE. THOSE ARENT THE TYPE OF PLAYERS WE NEED ON OUR LAKER SQUAD.