Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers will remember Trevor Ariza as a young, energetic forward who made his name as a member of the team in the late 2000s.
He was traded to L.A. in an unheralded deal early in the 2007-08 season. At the time, he possessed athleticism and energy but was undeveloped.
For then-head coach Phil Jackson, Ariza was a wet ball of clay looking to be shaped and molded.
He quickly became an indispensable role player for Kobe Bryant and crew, helping them win the NBA championship in 2009 with his defense, ability to finish in transition and timely 3-point shooting.
Last summer, general manager Rob Pelinka, Bryant’s former agent, brought Ariza back in the hopes he still had something left in the tank.
Unfortunately, he didn’t.