When Trevor Ariza came up with big play after big play in the 2009 playoffs to help the Lakers capture an NBA title, he instantly became a fan favorite. A former UCLA product, Ariza found his way to Los Angeles via trade after a roller coaster start to his career and quickly established himself as a vital 3-and-D player.
Ariza's time in California, though, was short-lived as the Lakers opted for Ron Artest over Ariza in free agency the following offseason. Still, a sense of “what-if” always existed amongst Laker fans as Ariza’s career blossomed in Washington and Houston.