If the Wizards make Trevor Ariza available in trades ahead of Thursday’s deadline, the Lakers would be interested in his services, tweets ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
Before the Suns traded Ariza to the Wizards in mid-December, the Lakers had explored a three-team deal that would have brought swingman to Hollywood. Ariza, 33, has previously suited up for the Lakers as he was a key member of the organization’s run to the 2009 NBA championship.
The Lakers agreed in principle to acquire Pistons‘ swingman Reggie Bullock on Wednesday. It’s unclear how, or if, the addition of Bullock would impact the Lakers’ interest in Ariza.
In 49 games this season, Ariza has averaged 12.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG and 3.7 APG between Washington and Phoenix. However, he has played much better since being traded, evidenced by his 15.2 PPG average and .390% field goal percentage. At 22-31, the Wizards occupy 10th place in the Eastern Conference, three games back of the Heat for the eighth seed. However, a rash of injuries has essentially halted Washington’s postseason hopes.
The Lakers’ primary target in trades this week has been Pelicans’ superstar Anthony Davis. However, after several days of negotiations, Los Angeles reportedly pulled out of sweepstakes due to the Pelicans’ demands. If the Lakers do not acquire Davis, it’s possible they shift their focus to other targets as they fight for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
I think they’ll land Ariza or Parker from the Bulls or possibly even both. And if they trade for AD somehow I definitely see them signing Melo. Excuse me for sound stupid, serious question…is Beal a PG or SG? Could that be a target for the Lakers?
No.
He’s a shooting guard. But I don’t think the lakers would be willing to send the assets to acquire him.
Beal is what today’s NBA analysts would call a combo guard. Naturally, he’s best suited as a team’s shooting guard, but he’s also capable of making plays with the ball in his hands. Right now, he’s the Wizards primary facilitator of their offense, but that’s because Wall is out for the foreseeable future..
So, in short, he’s capable of playing both positions. He’s a much better shooting guard though, because he’s still only so-so as a decision maker on the offensive end..
Hope this helps Thronson…
Also, in today’s NBA. It’s becoming more and more common to hear players labeled more as lead guards, combo guards, wings, stretch forwards, and bigs…Basically replacing the previously used PG, SG, SF, PF, and C, since today’s NBA players are more versatile and interchangeable..Creating what has become essentially positionless basketball…
For me, these terms make it a little easier to understand what role a player plays on his team, and /or his abilities..
Beal isn’t as focussed & intense as a PG should be. But he has adequate skills do it for a stretch if motivated, like he has been, albeit in concert with a PG type on the court also. He has good team skills for meshing. Right now I think he is enjoying doing things his way rather than Wall’s way. I would not make him a fulltime PG though, as that might drain him over a long season.
@braves- I don’t think the basic traditional positions have changed much or been made irrelevant by some sort of “modernity”. Some midsize players just are not “wings” for instance.
Trade LeBron.
He ruins teams .. he can only succeed when u give him two other superstars.
Curry point-shaved for Cavs title, and there’s no convincing me otherwise… Watch the film.
So, what?? The NBA promised the Warriors two titles if they let LeBron have that one?? /: …Not buying it..
I could understand someone saying the refs colluded to help LeBron and the Cavs win. .But, Steph!?! Not a chance…
Yeah that makes no sense at all
Doesn’t make sense to me either..
But it’s real. Watch the tape..
Odd that you think Curry is not capable of a bad stretch. Or nagging injury.
No need for tape, I remember the series, remember their dysfunction. Thompson wasn’t doing much either, Green got himself tossed, why not allege they were in on it too?
Curry may suffer from ennui from time to time, but not low character.
Save your conspiracy theories for government bro, Curry isn’t losing on purpose no matter what.
lakers should poach kawhi – toronto would take the same package for AD
You can’t be serious one of the best teams in the east would never trade their best player. They want to improve not go backwards
I think the plan is to trade everything for AD.
Then sign Kawhi in the off-season.