The Lakers realized that both players are needed for them to repeat. Instances during their playoff run that either player bailed them out. Unless, they can lure a quality replacement then both would stick with the team. Another interesting scenario is a sign and trade of Odom or Ariza. For whom?
I would take Odom. He creates SO many matchup problems. Ariza would be my choice, but we already have two defensive stalwarts in Battier and Artest. Even if Artest walks, Battier is as good as any defender out there.
I think Odom will stay and take less money because he already made a crapload of $$$$. However, I think Ariza's stock is at his highest, he's gonna go to whomever pays him his money.
As does Kobe, who (last week) publically announced that he intends to stay w the Lakers. Messages delivered (by Kobe), Lakers, go sign them, leaving the door open for Kobe to Opt out on his current contract and then sign for a smaller salary amount to lessen the Lakers' luxury tax burden. Arriza, you're not gonna get a better situation than this. Remember how you were overlooked and effectively tossed out of the door by Larry Brown and SVG. Contrast that to Phil's system which has accentuated your strengths---off the ball defense, speed and quickness. Phil's staff has also helped you to develop a dependable 3-pt shot. What other systems out there would afford you so many open 3's Lamar with the current state of the NBA economic landscape, you, at age 30, ain't gonna get a better deal out there
If I am the Lakers I am offering Bynum and Farmar for Brooks, Battier, and Landry or Hayes right about now and getting a decent bargain price for Odom.
Ariza played way over his head in the playoffs. It's a mistake to assume he will continue improving. His agent stated the Lakers will not get a hometown discount and Ariza should be the most coveted wing on the market. If anyone is after just the money, it's Ariza, not Odom. Ariza: Show Me The Money!. Odom has already made boatloads of money. He's in position to choose where he's comfortable for the next 3-4 years. Ariza's mentality is totally the opposite. If I were the Lakers, I would let another team overpay Ariza and try to keep Odom. Ariza has a very limited skillset while Odom can do some of everything, except shoot the long ball. Ariza's hot shooting in the playoffs will make him good money on another team, who will quickly realize they overpaid for an athletic, not-so-very-skilled player. Then again, if Ariza isn't offered a pot of gold by another team, the Lakers should retain him. He understands his place on their squad and has learned the art of playing off the ball with a superstar. But he likely won't go anywhere else that has a dominant scorer like Kobe and a great #2 like Pau. If he goes elsewhere for big money, more will be expected and he won't deliver. I hope the Blazers don't break the bank on him because they need another creator besides Brandon Roy.
