Published 7/2/2009
by Elijah Manders
at Bleacher Report - NBA
The Los Angeles Lakers had little time to celebrate their 2009 championship. They are now faced with the task of resigning key free agents Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza.
It appears that Ariza is only being offered the mid-level exception, and according to ESPN he is unhappy with this offer and seeking other teams to play for. Most notably, he has spoken to Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike James about joining Shaq and LeBron out East.
Other teams that are interested include: Houston, Toronto, Portland, and the L.A. Clippers. Portland and Toronto have the finances to offer more than the mid-level exception.
Ariza hit a number of timely three-pointers and made great hustle and defensive plays throughout the playoffs.
The Lakers appear more concerned with resigning Odom, but may also end up offering Ariza more money.
The free agent summer of 2009 is already a memorable one with many contenders for next year's title positioning themselves and competing for players like Rasheed Wallace.
Trevor ...
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