Trey All Day.

 I don't want to talk about Kobe's game high 31. I don't want to talk about Pau's 17 & 11, or Lamar's even more impressive 24-15. I don't want to talk about the Lakers blowing a 20 point lead in the 4th quarter when the game should've been over. I don't want to talk about the questionable non-calls going against the Jazz during their run (shout out to Jerry Sloan). I don't want to talk about the Lakers missing way too many free throws down the stretch which would've effectively iced the game. I don't even want to talk about Ronnie Price, whose pretentious style of play is not only annoying, but unnecessary. I'm lying, I do want to talk about that.

 Ronnie, I hope you somehow find this blog, and immediately label me as a hater. News flash: Your game isn't even overrated, because no one knows who you are (your game is like my blog... unknown & unimportant). There's a difference between playing with confidence, and playing with arrogance. You talk more trash than you play the game, and even when you're right about a call, you let your complaints define you. I'm not saying you should let your opponents walk all over you, but you should let your performance speak for itself. You have the talent, but based on one game (wow, what a great sample size), your character is still suspect.

  I only wanted to talk about Trevor Ariza, and this would've been a lot better if the Lakers hadn't blown such a big lead in a series-clinching game. However, a win is a win, and the Jazz won't get a chance to redeem themselves (aww... too bad). While the Jazz won't play a meaningful game until fall '09, the Lakers need Trevor to continue his strong play in the next round. 

 Ariza came into the L as a slasher, known for his ability to finish around the rim, and not much else. After playing for teams with no championship aspirations, Ariza landed in L.A., but was injured during last year's run to the Finals. This may have been a blessing in disguise, as Ariza began to work on his outside shot, something he never seemed comfortable with in years past. While he became a part of the rotation due to his tenacity on the defensive end, it's his ability to knock down shots that has made him one of the most important players on the Lakers.

 In his first 4 seasons, Trevor Ariza only took 43 three pointers, connecting on 9 of them (21%). In the 2008-2009 season, Trevor went 61-191 (32%) from behind the arc. His confidence is through the roof, and he's hit 11 of 18 (61%) three pointers in 5 postseason games. He is averaging 12-4-4.2, and is not only hitting open shots, but it also playing tough defense. In a recent conversation, a colleague called Ariza a lesser version of Kobe Bryant. While I'm not one for comparisons (especially those involving all-time greats), the similarities are there. Jellybean, Jr. entered the league known for his dunks, but with more playing time and exposure, emerged as a lockdown defender and deadly jump shooter. While Ariza still has a ways to go, he is only 23, and is fortunate to be under the tutelage of the world's most deadliest perimeter player (on both ends of the court).

 If the Lakers meet the Rockets (which seems likely) in the second round, either Shane Battier or Ron Artest will spend a lot of time guarding Trevor. They are both known for their defensive abilities, and are veterans with a lot more experience than Ariza. It'll be important to watch how he comes out and plays against this team. Let's hope he lives up to my hype.