Lots of PJ, not enough Von

I talked a bit with Trevor Ariza, who's still getting his sea legs when it comes to familiarizing himself with the Laker game plan.  For now, it's a matter of both learning the offense and Phil Jackson learning more about his new player's skill set.  Ariza and his newly extended coach have had a couple talks since the trade brought the former Bruin and Westchester High product back to L.A., but a little more  patience could still be required before Ariza finds himself a solid rotation resident.  I asked the triangle newbie if the offense looks as difficult as its reputation from the outside looking in.  Actually, the issue is more "inside looking in."  Ariza laughed that the system doesn't seem all that complicated while you're watching from the bench, but once you get on the floor, it's actually "way harder than it looks." 

For now, Ariza's plan of attack is going extremely hard every practice, hoping his coaches will be convinced that the extra energy can compensate for intricacies he's yet to learn.  And all of Ariza's teammates (whom he praised for their helpfulness) continually remind him that "in time, I'm gonna get it."  In particular, Jordan Farmar's provided a good shoulder for the NKOTB to lean on.  The two actually go back to high school, where the two used to battle for city titles.  Ariza's senior squad took out Farmar's, an achievement Ariza hasn't been shy about bringing up every now and then.

As for the Evans-Cookie swap that brought him here, it took Ariza a bit by surprise that he ended up in his hometown.  But he did figure a deal could be in the works, which was just fine by him.  As a competitor, he wasn't thrilled with the lack of PT and was hoping to find himself in a situation where more run could be found.  Thus, he (along with his very excited family) was very excited when he heard the Lakers signed off on the exchange.

-AK