Phil Jackson Wants Ariza's Return to Motivate Radmanovic

"We'll just see what he can do. Vlade's not played well in the last two games," Phil Jackson said, referring to Vladimir Radmanovic, the Lakers' starting small forward. "[Ariza] plays that position. We'll see if Vlade can't right his game here.”’

Knowing Phil Jackson and his mind games, letting Ariza practice really might be his way of motivating Radmanovic, rather than really expecting Ariza to play after 3 months out. We all know that Vlade is a feast or famine three point shooter, but late in the season he has showed flashes of great passing and defensive energy. With any momentum Luke Walton had literally being blocked by backup Jazz point guard, Ronnie Price near the end of game 4, Dr. Phil needed another player to push the effort level of Radmanovic.

Ariza, the best perimeter defender other than Kobe on the Lakers, could be helpful in the upcoming rounds if he is able to return. If the Lakers do win the series versus the Jazz they will face either Spurs or Hornets in the next round which will mean either Tony Parker-Longoria or CP3. While Fisher has done a great job defending Deron Williams, Fisher plays better against bigger guards than the lightning quick guards they may face next round. Ariza just may be the factor that puts the Lakers into the finals. If nothing else, he may just push Vlade to be the player we need to win upcoming games.