NBA News: Lakers Make Trade, But Kobe Stays

Brian Cook was part of the Lakers trade with the Orlando Magic Tuesday. (AI Wire Photo)

The Lakers have finally made a trade. But no, it doesn't include superstar Kobe Bryant.

General manager Mitch Kupchak announced on Tuesday that the team had acquired forward Trevor Ariza from the Orlando Magic for forward Brian Cook and guard Maurice Evans.

"He's a 6-8 athletic, active guy," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said about Ariza. "His specialty is probably defense. He's an all-around player, but defensively, with the athleticism -- he's tough."

Ariza averaged 8.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game last season with the Magic. For the Lakers, Cook averages 2.3 points and while Evans averaged 4.4 points this year.

Other NBA News

• Los Angeles Lakers center Kwame Brown will be sidelined indefinitely with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
• Stephon Marbury is set to start for the New York Knicks tonight despite walking out on the team days ago.

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