Lake Show Life
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3 Lakers who are playing for their NBA jobs in the last month

By Jason Reed

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 28: Kent Bazemore #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the game at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 28: Kent Bazemore #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the game at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza was one of several former Lakers that Rob Pelinka brought in last summer and he had to wait to make his debut with the team. Ariza had ankle surgery before the season began and he did not make his season debut until December 19th.

Before he made his debut, Ariza was expected to be a welcome addition to the rotation essentially acting as the team’s backup power forward. In theory, Ariza was meant to give the team some depth in terms of frontcourt defense, hopefully, become a defensive wing for the team to utilize.

That has not been what has happened this season. Ariza is playing like he is in the latter stages of his career and it really should not be a surprise considering his age and how little he has played in recent years.

After being expected to be an impact role player for the Lakers, Ariza is averaging only 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game. He is shooting 34.1% from the field, 30.3% from three and Defensive Box Plus/Minus of exactly zero.

That means that Ariza is exactly average when it comes to defense while being one of the most inefficient players on the offensive side. It is really hard to convince a team to sign you when you are going to be 37 and are a complete zero on one side of the court… especially when he is not great on the other side.

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