3 Los Angeles Lakers that might retire after this season

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

1. Trevor Ariza

There is not one other player on the Los Angeles Lakers that has as high of a chance of retiring as Trevor Ariza. In fact, it would be more surprising if Ariza is playing in the league next season than it would be if he hangs it up after a long and fruitful career.

Ariza re-joined the Los Angeles Lakers last summer and there was legitimate excitement for what Ariza could do as a three and D wing with size. The former Laker did not debut until December because of ankle surgery and it quickly became clear that Ariza did not have much to offer the Lakers.

Ariza really is not even in the rotation anymore and after several injuries, it is probably time for him to hang it up. It already seemed like he was going to retire earlier in his career after he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and did not play a pro basketball game for over a year.

However, his career was extended with a trade to the Miami Heat and then he was signed to the Lakers. After seeing how he played this season in LA, it is hard to imagine a team that would want to bring him in, unless the Lakers get really desperate.