Lakers request waivers on veteran F Trevor Ariza / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Credit Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers requested waivers on veteran forward Trevor Ariza on Thursday with just three games remaining in the regular season.

Ariza was signed as a free agent in August to return to the team for a second stint after playing in Los Angeles for two seasons (2007-09). But he didn't make his season debut until Dec. 19 because of a right ankle injury.

Known for his high-level defense, Ariza played in just 24 games this season and was unable to help the team make up the loss of top perimeter defender Alex Caruso, who signed with the Chicago Bulls in the offseason.

The Lakers were eliminated from play-in tournament consideration after a loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

Ariza, 36, averaged 4.0 points and 3.4 rebounds this season, seeing action in just two games since the start of March.

Over 18 career seasons with 10 different teams, the former second-round draft pick in 2004 by the New York Knicks, has averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 1,118 career games (769 starts).

--Field Level Media

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