Evaluating the ’07-08 Lakers: Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza 2007-08 Season Review

Stats: 18.0 MPG / 6.5 PPG / 52.4% FG / 33.3% 3PT / ?% FT / 3.5 RPG / 1.5 APG / 1.1 SPG / 0.3 BPG / 0.8 TO

Desperate for a perimeter defender, the Lakers gave up disappointing first round pick Brian Cook and five year veteran Maurice Evans in order to acquire former UCLA forward Trevor Ariza from the Orlando Magic in a late November trade. The Ariza trade was praised throughout Southern California in part because Mitch Kupchak got rid of Brian Cook (known as Puppy Crap by AM 830 radio host Dave Smith) and also due to the fact that Ariza is a promising young talent who could become one of the NBA’s top lock down defenders. Upon his arrival in Los Angeles, Ariza immediately become the Lakers’ sixth man and also started several games for the team before suffering a severe foot injury during a practice in mid-January. It wasn’t until the Western Conference Finals when Ariza would finally step on the Staples Center floor once again. Despite an injury plagued stint with the Lakers, Ariza showcased his ability to guard some of the NBA top scorers and his tremendous ability to finish at the rim.

Ariza was brought to Los Angeles in large part because of his superior defensive abilities. Standing at 6’8″ with a near seven foot wingspan, Ariza is capable of guarding some of the quicker perimeter scorers in addition to facing some of the league’s more physical scorers. His size, speed, and defensive intensity make him a rare player in today’s NBA where more players are interested in putting the ball through the hoop instead of stopping the other players from doing the same. He certainly hasn’t reached the defensive pedigree of a Bruce Bowen or a Ron Artest, but Ariza is certainly well above average. Since he is still considered young in most NBA circles, Ariza certainly has the capability to improve defensively as the years progress.

Offensively, Ariza is still considered to be pretty rawe in general. He certainly has the talent to become an effective offensive player but so far he has lacked the fundamentals to score ten to fifteen points per game. When heavily guarded, he usually has a tough time scoring and will thus defer to guys like Kobe Bryant or Lamar Odom. He has proven that he is more than capable of making an open three pointer (which NBA player hasn’t though) and finishing at the rim but more will be needed if Ariza is to become a major offensive weapon.

Grade: B-

What Trevor Ariza Should Improve

Ideally, I think that Ariza could eventually become a poor man’s version of Detroit Pistons small forward Tayshaun Prince who is one of the NBA’s top perimeter defenders and a scoring threat as well. Keeping this in mind, I’ve included three main areas in which Ariza should focus on (in order of importance):

1. Offensive Fundamentals: It’s pretty safe to say that Ariza’s offensive game could certainly use a lot of seasoning, especially since it has failed to catch up to his defensive abilities. While playing defense, it’s pretty clear that he certainly has tons of quickness and athleticism but this goes undetected on the offensive end. He is quicker than most of his defenders but his average ball handling abilities make it increasingly difficult for him to beat his defender to the basket. Because of this, Ariza will usually be standing around the three point arch watching Kobe Bryant shoot or waiting for a pass. If he could become more assertive and skillful offensively than Ariza could certainly help take some of the pressure off Kobe and also find himself playing more and more minutes.

2. A Mid-Range Game: His 52% field goal percentage is a little misleading because he doesn’t shoot all that often and he gets most of his shots on fast break dunks. When he does shoot jump shots, Ariza’s field goal percentage is an astoundingly low 33%, which really isn’t going to stretch the floor and make people guard him. Ariza has long arms and quickness so he should be able to get his shot at any point during the ball game. If he could really develop an effective mid-range jump shot than he could be on the floor for long periods of time and become a truly effective scoring threat.

3. Rebounding/Shot Blocking: With his long wingspan and 6’8″ frame, Ariza is one of the league’s biggest small forwards. With his size, he could not only become a lockdown perimeter defender but a fantastic rebounder and shot blocker as well. During the Finals, the Lakers had much difficulty securing offensive and defensive rebounds so another guy who can grab some rebounds from the three spot would be much needed.

Should Ariza Be on the Roster Next Season?

Right now I don’t see why Trevor Ariza wouldn’t return to the team next year. He has the potential to become of the game’s top perimeter defenders and is a core chemistry player for the Lakers as well. I love his explosiveness on the offensive end and given more playing time he could develop into a consistent scoring threat. If his offensive game can improve just a tad bit, he certainly should start over the team’s other small forwards, Luke Walton and Vladimir Radmanovich.

Ideal Role for Trevor Ariza on the 2008-2009 Team

I have been back and forth on what Ariza’s role is or should be. For the most part, I have struggled to accurately nail down what his true potential is. Could he be a legitimate NBA lockdown defender like a Bruce Bowen? If not for his inexperience I think that would be a resounding and quick, YES. Judging him solely on potential, Ariza should be the team’s sixth man at the bare minimum. With the return of Andrew Bynum, the frontline is going to be composed of Bynum/Gasol/Odom, which leaves Ariza on the outside looking in.

However, Could Ariza Eventually Replace Odom?

Lamar Odom has been much maligned in Lakers Nation for his inconsistent performance, especially during the NBA Finals. Odom is owed $14.1 million dollarsfor 2008-09, but his contract expires after the end of the year. Bynum and Gasol will eventually demand long-term contracts and the Lakers might not have the financial capabilities to pay Kobe, Bynum, Gasol and Odom, all top dollars. Since the small forward is not Odom’s typical position, Ariza could provide a cheaper solution if Odom would seek a better contract elsewhere.

Again these are just thoughts to ponder, what else do we really have to do in the offseason!

Ultimately my personal preference would be for Trevor Ariza to be a 6th man, lockdown defender, and instant offense off the bench. However, with the possibility of Odom leaving in 2009, Ariza should receive more playing time in order to determine whether he is a possible starter in this league.

Next: Kobe Bryant