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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:20 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2008

NBA; Ariza exercises option to stay with Lakers

Associated Press

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Forward Trevor Ariza, acquired in a November trade with Orlando, has exercised his player contract option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He appeared in 24 games for the Lakers before breaking a bone in his right foot on Jan. 20. He missed the rest of the regular season and 11 playoff games before returning for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.

Ariza averaged 18 minutes a game in the regular season before being hurt, with averages of 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.08 steals. After he came back in the postseason, he set career playoff highs with six points and five rebounds in Game 4 of the NBA finals.