Back in 2007, the Lakers made what at the time seemed like a minor trade with the Orlando Magic. Essentially a two-for-one swap, Los Angeles sent Brain Cook and Maurice Evans to the Magic in exchange for a young — and under-utilized — wing named Trevor Ariza.
Ariza not only shored up the Lakers’ perimeter depth and defense with his lanky range, but was also the first domino to fall in helping reshape a questionable roster built around Kobe Bryant.
Ariza didn’t contribute right away, but a few months later, the team made another pivotal trade when they acquired Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies.