Some advice for Trevor Ariza from the city of L.A.

We’re not going to pretend to know you, Trevor, even though we feel as if we do. Let’s just say that we knew you as a Comet before anyone ever knew you as a Bruin or a Laker.

Before you decide to go down this road and leave the city that helped to make you into the most athletic Santa Claus Grant Hill ever saw, we’d like to remind you of a few things.

As it stands, you’re stuck trying to get what you’re owed while awaiting a few other teams to sort their affairs before they give you serious consideration.

Let’s look at the past to see what history has to show us.

Los Angeles is a city of infinite possibility. Making a living in your hometown is a gateway for a long and prosperous career. Don’t believe me? Look at Rick Fox. He arrived in L.A. as a Canadian with serviceable game and retired as an Angelino with a starlet wife, an acting career and most importantly as a three time champion.

Byron Scott, much like you, grew up in Los Angeles. He saw his dreams come full circle as he too became a champion in his own backyard and later took that into a fulfilling coaching career. If you stick around long enough, he could be your next coach here in L.A. too.

Kurt Rambis was another Cali native who became a basketball icon just because he was in the right place at the right time and was willing to do what it took to become a champion.

You’re a champion, Trevor. You live in the city of champions.

Scottie Pippen went to Portland to die. Do you really want to go down that path?

Vince Carter had to put his arm half way down a rim just go get any respect in Toronto. With one ring in hand, you’ve already got something he’s never even sniffed.

LeBron James might be the future, but Kobe is the present. Why gamble when you have a certainty staring you in the face every time you practice in El Segundo?

Meanwhile, you’re waiting to see what Hedo Turkoglu will do before you can make a move. Look, life is unfair. Why should Hedo get a raise? The entire basketball world watched as you made the Turkish Jordan look more like the Turkish from Snatch. You already proved that Orlando made a mistake by giving up on you. Now don’t make the same mistake by giving up on Los Angeles.

Why should you be on hold while Cleveland’s got Ron Ron on the other line? The same Ron Ron who is going to have to take a pay cut just to play in the shadow of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

You might make more money in Portland, but with more money comes much higher expectations. Expectations you can’t live up to when you’re lost in the shuffle. Good luck finding a role on a roster that has 9 other guys that play your position. Don’t forget that a whole lot of folks in Portland still have you down as public enemy number one.  

Do you really want to play with Rupaul in Toronto? Just keep in mind that better players have left that city than have gone to it.

We’re not trying to tell you how to go about your business. We’re just saying to be patient.

Listen to Kupchak’s offer and consider the possibilities. Twist his arm for every last dime you can manage, just make sure you’re still shaking hands with Villaraigosa again next year. You’ll get your money eventually, don’t worry about that. But can you get another ring?

Money makes you famous but hanging banners is Los Angeles makes you immortal.