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22 Players the Los Angeles Lakers gave up on way too soon

Tyler Watts|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Trevor Ariza (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

10. Trevor Ariza

Ariza is a true NBA journeyman. He played 18 seasons in the league for ten different teams, and the 6’8 wing never played for the same franchise for more than four straight years. Ariza was drafted in the second round by the New York Knicks in 2004, and he did not arrive in Los Angeles until his fourth season.

In Nov. 2007, the Lakers gave up Brian Cook and Maurice Evans to land Ariza from the Magic. He was only 22 years old and coming off a promising third season. The 6’8 wing played a minimal role that first season, but did earn some minutes against the Celtics in the NBA Finals.

In his first full season in LA, Ariza helped the Lakers win the championship as he started every game in the playoffs. He was a 3-and-D wing that averaged 11.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 steals in 31.4 minutes per game. Making 40 of his 84 3-point attempts was massive as the Lakers cruised to the championship, which was their first in the Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol era.

Ariza departed in free agency to join the Rockers in 2009. He did come back to the Lakers for his final season, but the 6’8 forward helped the Wizards, Hornets, Rockets, and Heat make the playoffs before that. Trevor Ariza was a key role player for 15 years, and the Los Angeles Lakers let him get away too soon.

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