Howard’s (delayed) Lakers return – The buoyant mood of Howard carried the day on Friday as he posted a flurry of excited Instagram videos, greeted a number of reporters by name during his virtual media session, and was generally full of optimism headed into his third non-consecutive campaign with the franchise: “Just something about the Lakers and myself it’s like we were just supposed to be together.” I’m excited to play with all the players, to see what this team can do.” “So when the opportunity actually presented itself, and it was real, I think it was the best chance, the best opportunity for me to come home and be here. “To be able to come back home, be with my family, be a part of this tradition, is something that you don’t really get too many chances to do it twice,” he said. For a Westchester High and UCLA product who spent some of his formative years as a Laker, he feels that perhaps if there is any need for closure with this franchise, it could be coming this season. While Westbrook was a key piece of his recruitment to L.A., Ariza said it ultimately was a combination of factors that matter more to a man of his age: his children live in Los Angeles, and he wanted to be near them. But now 36, Ariza said he was never bitter about the situation – and he made that point clear when asked directly if the Lakers’ repeat in 2010 made him upset. You know what happened next: The Lakers won again the next year, Ariza serving as a spectator rather than a participant. ![]() Reports at the time indicate that the Lakers were more interested in signing Metta World Peace (née Ron Artest) than Ariza. It could have been the start of a long, beautiful career in purple and gold.īut then Ariza left in free agency. He was a fundamental piece of the Lakers’ 2009 title run, including game-sealing steals in the Western Conference finals that cemented his status forever as a darling to the fanbase. Here’s a crib sheet for something you’ll want to know about each one:Īriza getting back to his roots – At 23, Ariza ascended the mountaintop. Last week, six of the players on next year’s roster were introduced as Lakers following a wild week of trades and free agency. Still, there’s a lot of catching up to do. Coming to town are old foes, starting first and foremost with Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, who will be formally introduced as Lakers this week. Perhaps in the spirit of going green, the Lakers are recycling former players, including Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington and Kent Bazemore. ![]() To receive the newsletter in your inbox, sign up here.Įven on a remade Lakers roster, there are more than a handful of players you already know. 8 edition of the Purple & Bold Lakers newsletter from reporter Kyle Goon.
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