<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Lakers forward Trevor Ariza was medically cleared to practice and did so for the first time since sustaining a broken bone in his right foot on Jan. 20. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said it would probably be a week or two before Ariza was ready to play in a game.</div> http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers...0,6892616.story So he will be back for the WCF, assuming we can make it that far. Anyways, for the fun part: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Right now, we have Travis Diener and Trevor Ariza, two of the greatest players of all time who were each selected in the second round. If this isn't enough motivation for Otis to go out and trade for a second round pick then I don't know what is.</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I'm pretty much in love with Trevor Ariza's game at this point. I love what he brings from the bench. He has great athleticism and brings a lot to the table. When he's in the game, he is always really productive. He can score, defend, and is a pretty good rebounder for a small forward. He's gotten a couple huge offensive rebounds for us this season when we really needed them. His game is a bit raw but I think he has improved since last season and will keep improving since he is only 21 years old. I think Trevor is a perfect fit for this team because he can score but he's also a really good defender that has matched up against the other team's best player several times this year. Thank god Otis resigned this kid over the offseason because I can see him starting for us down the road when Hedo is older. Jameer, Dwight, Darko, Ariza, and Redick are all going to be in their primes at the same time which is going to be very scary for the rest of the league.</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I was just thinking about this so I figured I would bring it up here. Where do you guys think Ariza ranks in terms of most underated players? He has to be one of most underated guys in the league because he can make an impact all over the court. He is a good finisher and is one of our better shutdown defenders. In a couple years Ariza is going to be a quality starter and in my mind, he is incredibly underated. I mean, what seperates a guy like Andre Igoudala and Trevor Ariza? Obviously the dunk contest has helped Andre get his name out there but when it comes to what they bring to the table on a daily basis, I feel they are pretty equal. Igoudala is a player who gets a lot of attention in the media and is one guy who everyone says has tons of potential. I think Ariza has just as much potential as Iggy because he has just as much athleticism and both players are similar in terms of defense. Also, Trevor is younger then Andre so he has even more upside. Do you guys agree?</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The most wonderful thing about Trevors, is Trevors are wonderful things. Their tops are made out of rubber, their bottoms are made out of springs. They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! But the most wonderful thing about Trevors is, I'm the only one. Oh, I'm the only one!</div> - Swish
korver, willie green, carlos boozer...just a few off the top of my head who are better than either of them...hope thats not serious
I don't see how he is going to be effective. There is no way he is in game shape. Our best chance at a defensive swingman is Ira Newble and Phil is too narrow-minded to play him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Black Mamba @ May 13 2008, 06:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't see how he is going to be effective. There is no way he is in game shape. Our best chance at a defensive swingman is Ira Newble and Phil is too narrow-minded to play him.</div> It gives the Lakers another potential option to use on the court. Ariza has been practicing for the last 3 weeks, and he might not be in game shape, but he might be able to give the team a solid 6 to 8 minutes out there. It also gives PJax a quick hook if Walton or Radman are struggling. Ariza will bring it defensively and won't hurt you on offense because he plays within his limits. I wouldn't mind seeing Ariza defend DWill for a few possessions to disrupt DWill's rhythm and bang him around a little in the post when the Lakers are on offense. I think Ira Newble will get a shot at some point. I'd like to see him come in the game to match up with Harpring. I don't think he'd Harpring punk him around the way Luke does.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Black Mamba @ May 13 2008, 09:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I can't stand Harpring. He's a linebacker in the NBA...that's cool...but he also...flops.</div> Harpring is one of those players you hate when he's not on your team, but love when he's doing the dirty work as a teammate. He's really had an impact in the series with Millsap when the Jazz bring in their second unit. They've been able to slow down our bench mob and get an endless amount of second chance opportunities.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Black Mamba @ May 13 2008, 10:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I can't stand Harpring. He's a linebacker in the NBA...that's cool...but he also...flops.</div> That made me lol, a linebacker that flops. He always seems to be gritty down low and layups without jumping. He seems to have no hops.
Good to hear that Ariza is cleared to practice. I'm hoping that he'll be able to get back here soon and give us an extra guy off the bench. Even if he's not completely game ready, as already mentioned, I think there's a good shot that he might be able to at least give us something on the defensive end, even if just for a few minutes. And speaking of the title...better 2nd rounders that I can think of... Gilbert Arenas Rashard Lewis Manu Ginobli Luis Scola Kyle Korver Carlos Boozer Monta Ellis
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ May 14 2008, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Good to hear that Ariza is cleared to practice. I'm hoping that he'll be able to get back here soon and give us an extra guy off the bench. Even if he's not completely game ready, as already mentioned, I think there's a good shot that he might be able to at least give us something on the defensive end, even if just for a few minutes. And speaking of the title...better 2nd rounders that I can think of... Gilbert Arenas Rashard Lewis Manu Ginobli Luis Scola Kyle Korver Carlos Boozer Monta Ellis</div> Don't forget Michael Redd.
