Lake Show Life
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5 defensive wings the Los Angeles Lakers should acquire

By Luca De Angelis

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot over LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis #3 during the second half at TD Garden on January 30, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot over LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis #3 during the second half at TD Garden on January 30, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Trevor Ariza

As a key role-player for the 2008-09 champion Los Angeles Lakers, Trevor Ariza will always have a special place in the hearts of Laker fans.

Ariza is 35-years-old and hasn’t been with his latest team all season, the Oklahoma City Thunder, for personal reasons. However, last season for Portland, Ariza proved that he still has plenty left in the tank, averaging 11 PPG, 1.6 SPG, and putting together shooting splits of .491/.400/.872 in 21 games.

Ariza also has $12.8 million left on the final year of his contract, so the only feasible path for him to become a Laker again is via a buyout. However, because Ariza hasn’t even reported to the Thunder, he likely gets bought out at some point so he can join a contender and chase another ring.

Aside from being by far the best three-point shooter on this list (.362 since 2012-13), he’s still a high-level defender. Ariza’s 2019-20 Defensive LEBRON rating was in the 91st percentile, and he graded in the top 10% for loose-ball recovery rate, pickpocket rating, 3 pointers contested per 75 possessions, and steals per 75 possessions.

Ariza is the oldest player on this list, so his long-term value isn’t anywhere near as high as other targets. If Pelinka and co are looking for long-term pieces, they should look elsewhere for wing depth. However, if they’re looking for a depth piece purely to help the team win a championship in 2020-21, Ariza may be the best target on the market when factoring in his on-court fit and cost.

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