$28 Million Doesn’t Show Trevor Ariza that Lakers Appreciate Him
In particular, Ariza and his agent weren’t thrilled by the Lakers’ annual offer of $5.6 million over an unspecified number of years. Ariza, 24, was hoping for $7 million to $8 million a year.
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“All we’re looking for is little appreciation for what Trevor has done,” Lee said Wednesday. “I don’t think they believe Trevor is serious about leaving, and that’s too bad. I didn’t think we’d be in this situation. I am disappointed and surprised by what I thought would be some feelings for the people who have given you everything they’ve got.”
Don’t even get me started on a team that ends up paying 7 or 8 million a year for a guy who’s nice defensively and at-best a fourth option on offense because he just developed an outside shot. Yes Ariza was a valuable piece in the Lakers winning the championship but 7 or 8 million? That’s a little much, wouldn’t you say? Given the climate of contracts, I’d say the mid-level exception is more than a fair offer showing plenty of appreciation. And last I checked, a good starting point was for the player to average more points per game than money he’s requesting in salary per year … just saying.