Another Player Benefits from Leaving the Lakers

I recently wrote an article on how Javaris Crittenton benefitted from leaving LA.  It appears another former Laker has improved, and has played better once traded away.

On November 20th, Orlando traded Trevor Ariza to the Los Angeles Lakers for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans.

Maurice Evans was a crucial role player for LA, coming of the bench  in 06-07. But since being traded, Evans has found himself starting 41 out of 62 games since arriving in Orlando.

Mo is averaging 8.8 points, one assist and three rebounds in 23.5 minutes of play for Orlando. He is also shooting a career high 48% from the field, largely due to the open looks he’s getting when Howard is double teamed in the post.     

Maurice is very strong on defense which is only one reason the Magic were so keen on getting him. Evans is one of those players that can spark a comeback; he could produce an emphatic dunk or a timely block when the team is down. He is very energetic and is not afraid to show his emotions, which is made him a favorite of the Orlando home crowd.

Lakers fans were sad to see Evans go, but enjoy seeing him play so well for Orlando. Like in Orlando, Evans was a crowd favorite and was always cheered on and off the court.

The Magic are definitely getting their moneys worth out of Mo, who is only earning $1,740,000 this year. He is a large reason the Magic have done so well this year, and I am sure he will affect their performance in the playoffs.

At only 29, Evans still has a lot of basketball years left in him, and could land himself a decent contract if he continues to perform the way he is at the moment.

While the Lakers could have used Mo's defense this year, they did get a great defender in return. Unfortunately for them, Ariza has been out most of the season with a broken foot and they were forced to sign another defensive-minded small forward in Ira Newble.

Unlike Evans, Brian Cook hasn't played his greatest basketball in Orlando, despite all the open three's he been handed from Howard, but there is still time. Both these players I see getting better away from LA, but at the same time I see Ariza getting better away from Orlando.

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