Slam Dunk Central

 It sure didn’t take long for the first official trade of this young season; SportsTicker reports that on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired small forward Trevor Ariza from the Orlando Magic for power forward Brian Cook and guard Maurice Evans.  Ariza, in 205 career games with the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic, has averaged 6.2 PPG and 3.6 RPG. 

In his fourth season, Cook has played in 259 career games, all with the Lakers, averaging 6.6 PPG and 3.2 RPG.  Evans has appeared in 238 career games with Minnesota, Sacramento, Detroit and the Lakers, averaging 6.3 PPG.  According to Magic general manager Otis Smith,  ”Brian helps bolster our frontcourt.  He is a power forward who shoots the ball extremely well, while also bringing added toughness to our roster.  Maurice is a tremendous athlete, a solid defender and capable of playing multiple positions. Both Brian and Maurice fit in very well with what we are trying to accomplish.”

Expect Ariza to split time with fellow F Luke Walton and provide some 3-point range shooting to the mix.  Cook should fit in well with the Magic; I think initially he will back up starting forward Hedo Turkoglu and add some added muscle in the froncourt.  Evans’ acquisition creates a logjam at guard, with someone eventually becoming the odd-man out.  I wouldn’t be surprised if that person was Keith Bogans.  But one thing is clear - both teams got what they wanted in this trade.

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