Report: Lakers want to acquire Ariza from Suns

Trevor Ariza’s days in Phoenix appear to be numbered.

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to acquire Ariza, according to ESPN.

The Lakers and Suns are working to find a third team that would involve Lakers guard Kentavious CaldwellPope as the Suns seek a “playmaking guard and draft asset” for Ariza, according to ESPN.

Phoenix can trade Ariza starting Saturday. The current NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement states: A free agent who signs a contract cannot be traded for three months following the date the contract is signed or until Dec. 15, whichever is later.

While this wasn’t even a thought when Phoenix signed the veteran to a one-year, $15-million deal in the offseason, it shouldn’t be a surprise now.

The Suns were hoping Ariza could bring the experience, leadership, 3point shooting and defense he displayed in Houston to help them greatly improve after finishing with the NBA’s worst record last season.

Ariza is averaging 9.7 points, has started all 24 games in which he’s played, but Phoenix is off to its worst start in franchise history at 4-22, has the NBA’s worst record and has been in dire need of a point guard all season.

While Devin Booker could go back to his natural position of two guard if Phoenix can acquire a point/playmaking guard, Caldwell-Pope has veto power on a trade, ESPN reported.

In his sixth NBA season, CaldwellPope, 25, is averaging 8.5 points and a career-low 0.5 assists. For his career, Caldwell-Pope is averaging just 1.6 assists.

Booker is currently out after re-injuring his left hamstring against the Lakers last week at Los Angeles. Phoenix has been playing two rookie point guards in Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton and just signed Jawun Evans from its G League affiliate to a two-way deal.

Evans is just in his second NBA season. This is all after Phoenix waived its most experienced point guard coming into the season, Isaiah Canaan, last month.

As for the Lakers, they could use a

MONDAY'S GAME

Los Angeles Clippers at Suns

7 p.m. Talking Stick Resort Arena. FSAZ.

Phoenix (4-22) lost its eighth straight game, 115-98, Friday to Miami on the second of a back-to-back. After Monday’s game, the Suns will play Tuesday at San Antonio in the second of a back-to-back. … The Clippers (16-9) have lost three of their last four games including the last two at Memphis (9686) and at home against Miami (12198). … The Suns expect TJ Warren to return from right ankle soreness as he’s missed the past five games with injury. Deandre Ayton missed Sunday’s practice due to illness as Suns coach Igor Kokoskov is hopeful the rookie 7-footer will play Monday. … Luc Mbah a Moute isn’t expected to play for the Clippers as he’s been out with a knee injury. … Devin Booker will miss his fourth straight game after re-injuring his left hamstring against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. perimeter shooter as

34.6 percent from 3.

Plus Ariza’s from Los Angeles, played for the Lakers across two seasons, including the 2008-09 championship season, and starred at UCLA. He received cheers from the fans when Phoenix played last week against the Lakers at Staples Center during the introduction of the starting lineups.

Ariza made his mark early in Phoenix as a leader, scored 21 points in the opener the Suns won by 21 over Dallas, but his impact has lessened, and he’s not as engaged as he once was.

After the 108-86 loss at Portland in which he scored two points on 1-of-5 shooting, Ariza said he felt like he should be a more vocal leader for the Suns.

“Being one of the oldest guys on the team, starting with pretty much four rookies, I should be more vocal in telling guys that we collectively have to play better,” Ariza said.

By this time somewhere else. next they’re week, shooting he could