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Los Angeles Lakers: Grading their moves during NBA free agency

By Matthew Hallett

Aug 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Russell Westbrook is introduced at Los Angeles Lakers press conference at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Russell Westbrook is introduced at Los Angeles Lakers press conference at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers NBA free agency move No. 9: Trevor Ariza

Another in the list of veterans that the Lakers signed this free agency period, Trevor Ariza is one of the most intriguing signings. he has had a long and successful career including winning the 2009 NBA Championship during his last stint with the Lakers.

Ariza has made a career for himself as a very dependable 3-and-D player, shooting the ball at 35.2 percent from behind the long line for 17 seasons. He takes just under half his shots from beyond the arc, which shows that there is versatility to his game.

His defense is solid, but not spectacular but what Ariza does do is set the tone for the team with how he plays. One of the moments which highlights this is the chest bump he gave to Trae Young when the Hawks point guard tried to nutmeg the veteran. It is safe to say that Young did not try that again.

What this means for the Lakers is they can deploy Ariza on defense to give their superstar LeBron James a rest at that end of the court. This will make him even more dangerous on offense which can only spell trouble for opposition teams.

Grade: A

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