"I'm a plug-and-play player, I've been playing in the league for a long time, I've played in a lot of different places, so I've always been able to find ways to contribute to the team. So I don't worry about the characters, I just care about getting together here and going to win. ”
On the Lakers' media day, veteran Ariza said.
Yes, after 12 years, he put on his purple and gold robes again. All this is familiar and strange.
Familiarly, he's still a part of the Lakers. The strange thing is that after wandering many teams, he returned here, and the teammates around him are no longer the same people as 12 years ago.
In these 12 years, his experience can really write a book. After drifting, the wanderer returns...
If you are an old Lakers fan, you must remember the roots of the former Kobe Bryant, his amazing performance on the playoff stage, dedication to the Lakers, remember his key steals against the Nuggets.
At that time, Ariza was flourishing. He averaged 8.3 points and 1.5 steals in 106 games against the Lakers, and is indeed a very practical player on the front line.
The reason for the later departure was that the Lakers got Artest.
In players like the Rockets and Wizards, Ariza has proven himself to be a great 3D player.
Today, at the age of 36, he is back. It is undeniable that his competitive status has declined compared to before.
However, we can still expect something from the veteran.
After all, he was still the player who averaged 9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season.
He can provide the Lakers with these 2 points: defense on the front and projection on the outside.
His athleticism has declined, but his defensive awareness, his positioning and judgment, are still online. The Lakers are already short of a front, and he has the opportunity to play an important role.