Los Angeles Lakers: Role playing free agents to watch this offseason

By Jason Reed | Mar 24, 2019

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 10: Wayne Ellington #20 of the Detroit Pistons drives past Ryan Arcidiacono #51 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on March 10, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Trevor Ariza

After the disaster that was the one-year contracts that were signed last offseason the last thing that Laker fans probably want to see is the front office sign another veteran to a one-year deal. These one-year deals created a weird dynamic where the veterans were already looking to their next contract and did not want to sacrifice playing time and money as a result.

However, there is an exception this offseason and that is Trevor Ariza. Ariza’s value is going to continue to go down slightly as he gets up there in age but he does not need to play 32 minutes per game to prove his worth and get a payday.

Everyone knows exactly what Ariza brings to the table and he would bring that same thing to the Los Angeles Lakers off the bench.

The Lakers were horrible defensively this year, especially when Lonzo Ball went out with injury. Ariza is one of the best defensive role players in the league and would add a much-needed dynamic to this team.

Ariza could come off the bench and be very effective or could even start at forward if the Lakers are intent on starting LeBron at the four and Brandon Ingram at shooting guard.

Either way, there is a reason that the Lakers were interested in trading for Ariza this season and should re-explore that interest this offseason.

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