L.A. Times: The Lakers are looking for redemption in the NBA Finals. In many ways, so is Trevor Ariza.
The Lakers’ starting small forward was jettisoned by the Orlando Magic in November 2007, deemed a non-fit for an offense that required shooters, not stoppers, under the system of newly hired Coach Stan Van Gundy.
The Lakers saw a hint of potential in Ariza and sent Brian Cook and Maurice Evans to the Magic for Ariza, a trade that surprised several Lakers players who were close to Cook and Evans.
Orlando seemed torn. A story in the Orlando Sentinel the day of the trade referred to Ariza as a “promising player” and quoted Magic General Manager Otis Smith as saying “He’s one of ‘my kids.’ ”
Van Gundy, however, was less fond of Ariza in his comments.
“Trevor was in a tough situation,” he said at the time. “I hope he finds the right situation. I think it was a good move for us.”
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