The last several days have seen hot trade talks outside the Staples Center Arena Offices of Dr. Jerry Buss. "Did you hear Kobe Bryant is going to Detroit," flooded bars
in Marina Del Rey and Auburn Hills. “Did you know Stephon Marbury was really benched because he was in secret talks with Phil Jackson,” sprang up not only outside the Garden but also in Inglewood.
Soon the media picked up on some of the rumors (flaming the fire) while agents, coaches and players quashed or increased the speculation. Kobe and his manager quickly pointed out to the media that he has a no trade clause, ending rumors to that point. Bad boy, Stephon Marbury of the Knicks, had it leaked that the disagreement between him and Thomas “was personal” and not professional. Fans could not wait!
Late yesterday the Lakers put all the hype to rest. Few had envisioned the ultimate deal but in reality it was a sound investment. Power Forward Brian Cook and swingman Maurice Evans went to the Orlando Magic for 22 year old Trevor Ariza. With this trade, according to Sportswriter Sean Deveney of the Sporting News, “…the Lakers are the deepest they've been in the post-Shaquille O'Neal era.”
- Why Cook?
Cook, along with Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Luke Walton, were the only four remaining Lakers from their 2003-2004 second round playoff season. A dynamic off the bench shooter that added instant offense, Cook was completely dominated by the power forwards throughout the NBA. But a statement made by Jackson presents a more philosophical difference: “Cook’s game has largely remained status quo.”
- Why Evans?
A veteran Guard/Forward, Evans has played for 238 career NBA regular season games along with several years in Europe. Known for a good defense and athleticism, he never quite turned his game up to the level the Lakers expected. Moments of stardom did exist. On February 25th 2007, Evans poured in a career high 26 offensive points. Two weeks later he grabbed a career high 14 rebounds. Yet something was missing for the Lakers. The long time player was unable to consistently give LA that spark.
- Why Ariza?
A small forward that has little experience in the league has shown some real promise. Many sports fans began saying “Ariza was a jump shot away from becoming a legitimate contributor in the NBA.” Known for a strong defense and good front court, Trevor may have found the avenue to put that final punch into his NBA game.
- The Philosophy
Professional basketball is a grueling profession and teams seem to vary in philosophy as what makes a champion. This recent trade seems to uphold that glaring difference between LA and Orlando.
When looking at the Lakers, they seem to appreciate desire-will. From the various comments by the coaches, owner and local sportscasters; Cook and Evans did not have that last step of desire and ambition the Laker Organization felt was needed.
On the other hand LA definitely feels that Ariza is working and trying extremely hard. "We gave up two players that were veterans, experienced players who fit into our system relatively well," Jackson said. By his own admission the coach acknowledges the proven quality of the two players. Yet, Ariza has only 1.5 seasons in the NBA and a year in college – a completely unproven commodity. The Lakers feel he can fit well into their system.
Contrasting that it appears the Magic is willing to put talent above desire. In numerous trades between the two clubs this concept appears to be validated. Cook and Evans do have talent that Orlando needs.
No where was the difference in philosophy more obvious than in one of the most famous basketball trades - SHAQ! The Magic, unwilling to match the Lakers free agent salary, let Shaq go to LA: but by 2004 LA traded an unhappy Shaq to Miami. . “…O'Neal didn't give enough of himself during the finals…” was the chant in Hollywood.
