Pop Quiz: NBA Postseason Recap (Part II)

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

You simply can not ignore the importance of having that x-factor on your perimeter in the postseason. Guys like Ariza (from James Posey and Bruce Bowen back to Scottie Pippen and Michael Cooper) are extremely difficult to find, but critical for a championship run.  

At a long 6’8’’ and athletically gifted, Arizais the ideal defensive stopper in today’s NBA game with his ability to guard multiple positions. His assignments this postseason ranged from top-level point guards like Deron Williams to 6’10’’ playmaking forwards from Turkey.

He was particularly spectacular in the Western Conference Finals, where he not only came up with those two eerily similar steals that sealed Lakers victories in Games One and Three, he limited Carmelo Anthony (who had been dominant throughout the postseason), to 34 percent shooting in the final four games of the series.

There’s also this:  Ariza went 40-84 (47.6 percent) from beyond the three this postseason, and showed his ability to get to the rim.

I recognize the fact that his 2009 postseason three-point percentage is not anywhere indicative of what he shot during the regular season (31.9 percent) or for his career (29.9 percent), and that basically all his three-pointers were wide open attempts, but he obviously has confidence in his shot and is only going to continue to develop and expand his offense.

The bottom line: when you take into consideration Ariza’s stellar defense and his offensive potential, he’s the perfect complement to Kobe Bryant on the perimeter. Possibly, a Pippen to Kobe’s Jordan. And you can’t afford to let a possible Pippen go when he’s only 23.

(That may be a bold comparison, but I truly believe Ariza is the perfect complement for Kobe Bryant on the perimeter.)

But there’s another reason I’m taking Ariza, and it actually has nothing to do with him

It has to do with a highly skilled big man from Spain.

Final Question:

10. Can the Lakers repeat if they’re able to keep Trevor Ariza but not Lamar Odom?

The answer is hell yes, with potential for a three-peat.

Before you say “but Odom and Gasol play so well together,” I understand this. It’s great watching them play together. It really is. But…

Does everyone realize how freakin’ good Pau Gasol is?

This guy is a stud.

Odom leaving means an even bigger offensive role for Gasol, which is a great thing for the Lakers considering he averaged 18.3 points on 58% shooting from the floor.

Gasol is so incredibly skilled and talented offensively; featuring him a little bit more certainly can’t diminish your chances for another NBA championship.

All things considered, if you still have Phil Jackson as your coach, Kobe Bryant in his prime, Pau Gasol as your second option, and Trevor Ariza locking dudes up, multiple championships (again) are not out of the question for the already spoiled Lakers franchise.

You might need a certain point guard to hit a shot or two, or maybe an overpaid big man to spare a few tough fouls.

Regardless, the pieces are still there in Los Angeles for the championship puzzle.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?