Well before the Los Angeles Lakers were involved in Anthony Davis trade rumors, they were working on improving the depth of their roster. During that time, Trevor Ariza emerged as a target for L.A.
Not long after benefitting from the Phoenix Suns buying out and waiving Tyson Chandler, the Lakers looked to their intra-division opponent a second time. However, because of speculation Suns general manager James Jones did a favor for James with Chandler, a reunion with Ariza wasn’t considered likely.
As Suns owner Robert Sarver reportedly remained against trading Ariza to the Lakers, he instead was temporarily bound for the Memphis Grizzlies.