Lakers Waive 18-Year Veteran

The Los Angeles Lakers aren't waiting long to dismantle as much as they can of the ill-fated 2021-22 team. With just three games left in the season, the team is waiving 18-year NBA veteran Trevor Ariza.

The Los Angeles Lakers intend to waive Trevor Ariza and use roster spot to convert a young player prior to Sunday’s deadline to sign a player, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Open roster spot now provides flexibility to add to roster.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 7, 2022

According to NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Lakers wanted to be able to add a young player to the roster before Sunday's deadline, so they needed to open up a spot now. Wenyen Gabriel is expected to be the "young player" to be signed. He's currently on a two-way deal.

The Lakers were officially eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week, and the front office is already shuffling things in advance of the offseason.

Ariza, 36, was another one of the grizzled veterans the Lakers signed before the season, helping to make them the oldest team in the league. He was expected to play an important role for the Lakers, providing some floor spacing and solid defense. However, ankle surgery left him having only limited a role, playing just 24 games with an average of 4.0 points.

He will, however, still be remembered as being a crucial part of the Lakers' 2009 Championship team.

Ariza will always he beloved for his contributions to a title team. From his steals vs. the Nuggets to his hot shooting throughout the playoffs that season, his credentials can never be revoked. He was not able to help the Lakers this season, but that won’t erase his OG stint.
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) April 7, 2022