NBA 18-19: 3 Reasons Trevor Ariza might prove a hit for the Lakers

Over the past few days, the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked with making a trade with the Phoenix Suns for Trevor Ariza. These rumors intensified, when Ariza didn't feature for the Suns against the San Antonio Spurs, and a new report has suggested that executives around the league already believe that a deal to take Ariza to Los Angles is complete.

Ariza left the Rockets in the summer after the franchise failed to offer him the money that he believed his performances had warranted. The 33-year-old's departure has been seen by analysts as a major factor in the Rockets decline this season, as the team has slipped from Conference winners to being outside the playoff places.

The Suns are known to be asking for at least a player and a draft pick in return for Ariza, and the player that the Lakers want to include in the trade is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Lakers are desperate to get more help for LeBron James, and here are three reasons why Ariza's arrival should be a great move for the team.

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#3 Three-Point specialist

Trevor Ariza was known as a catch and shoot player during his time in Houston

LeBron James is one of the most ball-dominant superstars in the NBA, although Trevor Ariza has already demonstrated that he can play alongside a similar player in James Harden. During his time in Houston, Ariza rarely received the ball on offense, and instead knocked down open threes from the wing.

Ariza's three-point shooting has fallen this season due to the style of the Suns team, although in his final year in Houston, Ariza knocked down .412 of his threes while attempting nearly seven per-game. Only Rajon Rondo has a higher percentage for the Lakers this season, and Ariza will provide a new deadly threat from behind the arc.

#2 Veteran experience

Ariza played a major role in the Lakers 08/09 Championship winning season

Many NBA and Lakers fans alike have forgotten that Trevor Ariza actually won an NBA Championship with the franchise nearly a decade ago. His performances in the 2009 playoffs included a career-high 21 points against the Utah Jazz, a crucial steal in game three of the Conference Finals against the Nuggets, and 14 points in the third quarter during Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Magic.

The Lakers came away with a ring that season, and Ariza knows what it takes to win in the playoffs. He has recently contested in the Conference Finals with the Houston Rockets, and his knowledge and experience will be vital to a young team. The Lakers' much talked about 'young core' has never featured in the postseason, so the addition of 33-year-old Ariza may prove vital come May.

#1 Defensive Impact

The addition of Trevor Ariza should help to sure up the Lakers defense

While Ariza will blend in perfectly with the Lakers offense, he will also help immensely on the defensive end. The Lakers have struggled defensively this season, which was highlighted during their recent defeat to the Spurs, as Luke Walton's team gave up 133 points. The addition of Tyson Chandler has helped, although the team still needs more help from their starters.

Trevor Ariza will likely be that help, as the 33-year-old is known as one of the best two-way players in the game. He is averaging 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals this season, and Ariza is well-known for his ability to contest shots.

Ultimately, the Lakers have the cap space to take on Ariza's deal, and it looks like it could be a great fix until they pursue a second All-Star in the Summer.