The Tribune

BY INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA

WITH NBA training camps up and running, and with the preseason about to start this weekend, the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers aren’t quite done reloading their roster as they embark on their mission to repeat as NBA champions in 2021.

A FAMILIAR FACE

The Lakers will reportedly have interest in former Laker forward Trevor Ariza if he’s released by the OKC Thunder before or during the 2020-21 NBA season.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported yesterday that Ariza is “expected” to begin the campaign in OKC.

The Lakers have spent the offseason bolstering their depth after winning the 2020 NBA championship.

It will be an important element of their title defence as they face a quick turnaround. They finished the Finals on October 11 and will tip off the new season December 22 against the rival Los Angeles Clippers.

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported Monday the league informed teams it will relax its resting policies for games that won’t be on national television because of the shortened offseason.

The Lakers two corner stone pieces LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be rested during the early stages of the campaign, and their minutes will likely be reduced in the games they do play over the first few months.

The Lakers have prepared for that with the additions of Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroder, Wesley Matthews and Marc Gasol creating more flexibility and depth within the rotation.

Ariza would be another arrival with the need for increased rest in mind.

The 35-year-old UCLA product split last season between the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers.

He averaged 8.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 37.2 percent on three-point attempts across 53 appearances.

BROTHERLY LOVE

But wait there’s more, after signing centre Marc Gasol - Pau’s younger brother - there are now rumblings of a possible family reunion in LA.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that Pau Gasol is interested in making a comeback and is working to try to make that happen.

Now if the 40-year-old is successful, the Lakers are one of the teams that he considers among his “dream destinations.”

However, Lowe also noted that it’s “unclear” what Los Angeles’ level of interest would be in bringing Pau back.

The 18-year NBA veteran last played in the league during the 2018-19 season, when he appeared in 27 games for the Spurs and three with the Bucks.

Right now, the Lakers’ roster is currently full, but it’s definitely something to keep your eye on all season long.

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