He's a Matt Barnes type. Okay, a bit better than that. But he's a more consistent Batum, and Batum was our low first rounder this year and we'll be disappointed if he's not a lot better than Ariza when he's Ariza's age. Outlaw is much more valuable in general than Ariza. Ariza has to have the right system (and that's another part of Jackson's genius) and is a good (notice Minstrel) role player, whereas Outlaw can score on anybody. I like Ariza a lot, but I'd rather have Batum (particularly with Ariza's health history).
I agree that Batum has a higher potential than Ariza - but I like him more than Travis, to be honest. His D is really stout.
Once you realize that no matter how good your favorite team is, every season they will lose games they should win, win games they should lose, then you realize that sometimes on the basketball court, shit just happens. Move on to the next game.
I have no complaints on Ariza. That guy was a great find Except when you are supposed to compete for the 'ship and have the STYLE of losses the Lakers have had. I can take a loss, just not losses due to stupidity/lack of hustle. BTW food for thought: Every loss the Lakers have had this year Kobe has taken more shots than Pau and Bynum combined
