The Lakers are reportedly trying to trade for Trevor Ariza. Here’s why they should.

The Lakers are trying to trade for Trevor Ariza, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The trade might include Kentavious Caldwell-Pope going to a third team, with the Suns asking for a point guard and draft asset in return. Depending on any additional assets L.A. sends out, this could be a brilliant small move for the Lakers, and the first stepping stone towards a title contender since LeBron James came to town. (And maybe more importantly, it’s a move for a forward not named Carmelo Anthony.)

Ariza had a peculiar offseason where he signed a one-year deal in Phoenix rather than stay with a title hopeful in Houston with the Rockets. If his goal was a payout, that worked, as he’s owed $15 million, but if he sought success to go along with it, he’s predictably fallen short. The Suns have the worst record in the league.

Ariza is playing one of his worst seasons to date too, averaging just 10 points per game on 37 percent shooting. But that feels true because of where he’s playing more than anything else. It’s an excellent opportunity for L.A. to buy low on a proven vet, though this trade can’t happen until Dec. 15 per league rule.

L.A.’s fought tough for the beginning of the season, enjoying a hot streak where most thought they’d be inconsistent. Around LeBron James, the Lakers are super young and inexperienced at guard and on the wing, which might come back to haunt them as the season progresses. Ariza could fix that.

For all the same reasons he was a fit for the Rockets, Ariza would blend seamlessly with L.A. Ariza is a high-end defender, which the Lakers lack, and he doesn’t need the ball to succeed on offense. He’d thrive as a catch-and-shoot three-point launcher next to James like he did with James Harden.

Adding Ariza makes L.A. better than it is with Caldwell-Pope, who’s a shaky shooting specialist without nearly the same defensive impact. And Ariza would merely be a rest-of-the-year rental with his contract set to expire, just like Caldwell-Pope’s, who L.A. already knows isn’t part of the future. It’s a short-term win-win.

The trade is low-stakes for L.A., gaining a 33-year-old veteran on a short-term deal for a 25-year-old who hasn’t panned out, so the trade should reflect. There’s no reason to part with a recent draft pick or first-round pick for a small step like this without a larger one in reach. The Lakers shouldn’t need to overpay.

The minutes are important too, as the kid’s growth should take priority. If Ariza wants more than KCP’s 22 minutes per game, he might not be a match.

If the Lakers can make a trade without losing an asset or sacrificing the 20-something’s minutes, this could be a steal. And though Ariza isn’t a star, he’s a valuable part of the puzzle for any contender.