The Lakers dealt Brian Cook and Maurice Evans to Orlando today, in exchange for forward, Trevor Ariza. I don't know much about Ariza, but to me, this looks like a bad idea. Ariza averaged 8.9 points last season with the Magic, and though Cook never lived up to his potential, something in me is going to miss him. As for Evans, I'm rather impartial. Despite scoring 8.4 points per game last season, Evans never really stood out to me.
In the end, the move helps the Lakers from a monetary standpoint, and the fact that it was a 2 for 1 deal leaves us wondering if this was designed to facilitate a Kobe deal.
[update] 6:46 pm: Some of the LA locals may remember Ariza from UCLA, where he posted 11.6 PPG in his freshman year as a Bruin. Ariza only stayed one year, declaring for the draft in 2004. Ariza was drafted in the second round, 43th overall by the Knicks, where he gained the accolade as the youngest Knicks rookie in franchise history.
[update] 7:58 pm: Remember this? THIS is why I'll miss Cookie
[edit] 8:07 pm: Upon looking into this a little further, it's starting to make sense. Dusty_Outlaw shined some light on it all:
"Evans is a shooter and nothing more. When he's hot he can light them up
but defense is the problem. I don't know if Ariza is any good on D but
they're claiming he's a specialist. I don't see where Lakers lost
giving up Cook and Evans. we know what they're going to not do. At
least this guy MIGHT save the Lakers 4-6 points a game stopping someone
from just blowing by him like Cook allowed"
I haven't seen enough of Ariza to comment on his style, but I don't really see us losing anything.
Evans was supposed to be a defensive guy, but he didn't really impress me. Just super athletic. From what I just looked up on Ariza, he's got more length so that's already an upgrade.
And B-Cook was useless, I'm glad we shipped him off. He had a nice stroke and a lot of potential, but at the end of the day he's a darker fatter version of Vlad Rad minus the snowboarding skills.
Does make you wonder what the purpose of the move was though...
Trust me, good move, I told some friends yesterday that Cook and someone else must be dealt. I like Mo Evans and wouldn't have traded him per se, and he is good when is isn't hurt and gets time, but I am pretty positive they made a good move with Ariza from UCLA to shore up the front line. Sasha is only 23 and OK. Don't need much with Kobe at the 2. Look at Ariza's Bio on NBA.com and read the Fantasy comments. He's young and Spry! I have heard good things like I did about Bynum, haven't seen him like Bynum though, I always said they couldn't trade Bynum, too much potential, but I heard good things about Ariza much the same...I watch Literally every Laker game. I missed 4 last year on TV and went to two.
Dude, seriously, are you Kidding me!!!!???? Evans, never stood out cause he had a balky knee half the year last year!!!!!!!!!!! Did you not see him dunk over the back of Rip the other night??!!!! He tends to do that when on his game!!????????? You guys need the NBA ticket dammit!
evans is a shooter and nothing more. When he's hot he can light them up but defense is the problem. I don't know if ariza is any good on D but they're claiming he's a specialist. I don't see where Lakers lost giving up cook and evans. we know what they're going to not do. At least this guy MIGHT save the Lakers 4-6 points a game stopping someone from just blowing by him like Cook allowed
nice write...
Never fear, Diz will be here. He'll tell you how this move makes the Lakers NBA Champions "for sure". lol
I don't see where the move makes either team any better or worse. Sometimes glueing two pieces of a puzzle together to make one, makes a better fit. Your assesment of a possible trade later (2 for Kobe) holds water, but the drama in LA will never end.
" I don't see where the move makes either team any better or worse."
For those who haven't seen ARIZA play, picture a taller and longer Michael Cooper w/out the three-point shot.
His specialty is defense and he's a fast break finisher on the wing.
EXPECT LOTS OF ALLEY-OOPS from FARMAR. The addition of ARIZA is a 100% upgrade.
In one sentence: The Lakers drop a LIABILITY and add an ASSET.
SUNS fans beware. The Lakers' assault is happening. While we get better, you get worried.
ORLANDO benefits from getting a decent back-up for Bogans in Evans and gain a three-point threat in Cook. It will now be hard for opponents to double HOWARD when you've got TURKOGLU, LEWIS, and COOK around the perimeter.
Last edited by J-DIZZLE on November 21st at 5:12 PM.
I'm a realistic observer of the vast world that surrounds the Los Angeles Lakers. You can thank Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Elden Campbell, Cedric Ceballos, and Vlade Divac for making that possible. The greatest person of all time is Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn. There's no getting around that. Me? I'm eighteen years old and working my way to a journalism degree.
