Ariza...

[what would jack bauer do?]

Ariza was a terrible on the ball defender, Kobe did all heavy lifting against elite sfs for him. Ariza's gotten a little better on D since LA, but I'd rather have Wes Johnson who is better on the ball and as a rim protector for the minimum.

[pdub15]

I forgot about him in the offseason moves thread. I think its about time Lakers land a SF with above average offensive abilities with solid defense. Artest never gave less than %100 percent of his capabilities for the team but his offense was a trainwreck after his first season. In case of a top3 pick I don't see Lakers passing on Embiid, which means that SF and PG are spots to fill with FA. I think it is more logical to look for a short term solution for SF since most of the large FA targets in the following years will be on the forward spot, thus Deng may be a better option, Trevor would most certainly ask for a big contract with 4 years minimum.

I think like most lottery teams that may end up with a chance to draft Embiid they want to see what really going on with his back. Too many big men have came in league with injury issues that ended up making them bad picks. If there is still a question about his back after NBA combine Parker might be the better option. I like Embiid and if no concerns come up with his back I would definitely draft him.

[TruSkool]

wes johnson is nowhere close to ariza. the lakers molded him into a serviceable 3 point shooter. he was also the best defender through passing lanes the lakers have probably ever had. he was also a crowd pleaser and fan favorite. he would single handedly turn games around. if the lakers could bring him back and lock him in as starting SF, im all for it.

[lakersin4]

As much as I'd like to get Ariza back, he's probably going to be close enough to Deng's price range that you go ahead & spend extra on the better player in Deng. He hasn't had as much inconsistency as Ariza & has remained a 2A/2B-#3 over his entire career & you can count on him to improve the team on both sides of the ball.. No Deng no deal became a saying for a reason.